Chillai Kalan Concludes in Kashmir, But Winter's Grip Remains with Fresh Snowfall Forecast
Srinagar witnessed the end of Chillai Kalan, the most severe 40-day winter period in Kashmir, on Friday. However, residents should brace for more wintry conditions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued forecasts for additional snowfall and light rain starting from Sunday. The weather agency has also warned of possible avalanches in snow-bound regions and has advised local farmers to suspend agricultural operations for the next seven days as a precautionary measure.
Detailed Weather Predictions and Current Conditions
According to Mukhtar Ahmad, director of the IMD Srinagar centre, higher reaches of the valley are likely to experience snowfall and light rain over a three-day period beginning Sunday. He further stated that thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are expected at several locations on Sunday itself. Looking ahead, the region will see cloud cover from Wednesday through Saturday, with snowfall and light rain resuming on Saturday, indicating that winter is far from over despite the conclusion of Chillai Kalan.
While Srinagar city enjoyed a slight respite from freezing temperatures, recording a minimum of 1.3 degrees Celsius on Friday night, higher-altitude areas continued to endure intense cold. Sonamarg registered the lowest temperature at a biting minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, with Gulmarg at minus 9 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam at minus 5.3 degrees Celsius. These figures highlight the persistent chill affecting the valley's elevated regions.
Impact on Tourism and Infrastructure
Chillai Kalan significantly disrupted road and air transport across Kashmir, yet it paradoxically provided a boost to the region's tourism sector, which had been struggling since the Pahalgam terror attack last year. The snowfall attracted visitors seeking winter experiences, offering a silver lining amidst the harsh weather.
In related developments, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) achieved a remarkable feat by restoring a critical 112-kilometer stretch of an inter-state lifeline connecting Jammu and Kashmir's Doda and Kishtwar belt with Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul–Spiti region. Defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal announced that BRO teams cleared 8 to 10 feet of deep snow accumulated on the road last week, accomplishing this task in record time under Project Sampark. Additionally, BRO personnel are engaged in snow clearance operations on the Mughal Road, an alternative highway linking Poonch and Rajouri districts with the Kashmir valley, ensuring connectivity despite the challenging winter conditions.
As Kashmir transitions out of Chillai Kalan, the IMD's warnings and ongoing infrastructure efforts underscore the continued challenges posed by winter in the region. Residents and authorities remain vigilant, with forecasts suggesting that snow and cold will persist, affecting daily life and travel in the coming days.
