by Iqbal Farooze
SRINAGAR: Brenwar, a small village in the Budgam district, located about 38 kilometres from Srinagar, has received nearly 5 feet of snow this winter, bringing daily life to a near standstill. The situation is particularly severe in Upper Brenwar, locally known as Jabbad, where thick snow has made movement extremely difficult.
Continuous snowfall has blocked access routes, rendering travel risky and, in many areas, almost impossible. Movement towards Hejen Maidan, a well-known tourist destination, has also been affected, disrupting both local travel and visitor access.
Residents say such heavy snowfall creates serious challenges every year, ranging from disrupted road connectivity to difficulties in accessing necessities. Snow accumulation has blocked internal roads and footpaths, making movement within the village arduous. In Upper Brenwar, the problem is compounded by steep terrain, where deep snow has cut off access to the main road. As a result, residents are often forced to undertake long walks through snow-covered routes to meet essential needs.
Connectivity to nearby areas, including Hejen Maidan, has also suffered. The popular tourist destination, which usually draws visitors during winter, has become difficult and risky to reach due to blocked roads and restricted access, affecting both locals and tourism-related activities.
The true cost of heavy snowfall, residents say, is felt most acutely during emergencies. Mohd Aslam, a resident of Upper Brenwar (Jabbad), recalled a recent incident that underscored the seriousness of the situation.
“This time, the snow has created many problems. A few days ago, there was a patient who had to be carried almost four to five kilometres down to the main road. If the roads had been cleared on time, it would have been much easier for us,” he said.
Such incidents, locals say, are not isolated. During winter, delayed road clearance often leaves villages like Brenwar cut off for days, increasing risks for the elderly, the sick, and pregnant women. With no immediate access to vehicles, residents are compelled to rely on physical labour and community support to manage emergencies.
Another resident, Javaid Ahmad, described how snowfall, often celebrated elsewhere, brings hardship to people living in remote villages. “Snow is God’s mercy, but for us it turns into suffering. People in the city enjoy it, but we cannot,” he said.
According to him, even access to basic supplies becomes a challenge once roads are blocked. “If our ration runs out, we have to walk at least four kilometres. Road-clearing machines do not reach our area on time,” he added.
The lack of timely snow-clearing infrastructure remains a major concern for residents. While main roads closer to urban centres are often cleared first, interior villages like Brenwar are left waiting longer for machinery to arrive. Locals say this delay deepens isolation and adds to the physical and mental strain of enduring harsh winters.
Winter also affects livelihoods. Limited mobility slows daily wage work, access to markets becomes restricted, and medical facilities remain out of reach. Schools frequently remain closed due to blocked routes, disrupting education for children.
Despite these challenges, residents continue to adapt, relying on community support and resilience to endure the season. However, they stress that better preparedness, quicker deployment of snow-clearing machines, and improved infrastructure could significantly ease their hardships.
As snowfall continues to shape life in Brenwar each winter, residents hope their struggles are recognised beyond picturesque images of snow. For them, winter is not a tourist attraction, but a recurring test of survival.
