A fresh blanket of snow transformed the picturesque landscape of Gulmarg on Sunday morning, officially heralding the arrival of the region's harshest winter period known as Chillai Kalan. The popular hill station in Baramulla district was draped in pristine white, with videos of the snowfall quickly circulating online.
IMD Forecast and Temperature Dip
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, forecasting moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches. This significant wet spell follows a prolonged dry period this winter season. The IMD specifically warned of moderate to heavy snowfall in the districts of Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal on December 21.
This snowfall initiates the 40-day Chillai Kalan, the coldest period in Kashmir which concludes on January 31. Prior to the snowfall, temperature variations were recorded across the region. On December 20, Gulmarg's minimum temperature was recorded at 2 degrees Celsius, above freezing. However, Pulwama emerged as the coldest spot in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 3.2 degrees Celsius. Srinagar recorded minus 0.4°C, while the Amarnath Yatra base camp Pahalgam saw a low of minus 1°C. Kokernag and Qazigund recorded lows of 0.8°C and minus 1°C respectively.
Administration's Winter Preparedness Review
In anticipation of the severe weather, authorities activated winter preparedness plans on Saturday. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level review meeting to assess arrangements for both the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
"I took a review of both the divisions, especially areas where it is expected to snow -- all the districts in the Valley and the higher reaches of Jammu. The administration has finalised all preparations, but whether it would suffice would be known only on Sunday, when it begins to snow," Omar Abdullah told PTI.
The Chief Minister reviewed a comprehensive set of measures, including:
- De-watering arrangements and power supply provisions.
- Availability of 4x4 ambulances and helicopter services for remote, snowbound areas.
- Operation of 24x7 control rooms.
- Plans for smooth vehicle movement on the critical National Highway 44.
He instructed all departments to ensure the advance deployment of manpower and machinery to tackle any emergencies.
Economic Boost from Winter Tourism
Despite the challenges posed by heavy snow, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed optimism about the positive economic impact. He highlighted that the snowfall is eagerly awaited for several reasons.
"Even if we face some hardships due to the snow, I don't think anyone should complain because we have been eagerly awaiting it. The snowfall will clear the air, mitigate pollution and kick off the winter tourism season," he stated.
The fresh snow in Gulmarg is expected to provide a major impetus to winter sports and tourism, a vital sector for the local economy, after the anxious wait during the dry spell.
