SRINAGAR: After months of dry weather, Kashmir was finally graced with its first significant snowfall of the season on Friday, enveloping the picturesque landscapes of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg in a pristine white blanket. This long-awaited weather event brought joy and relief to locals, rekindling hope for a prosperous winter.
Every district in the Kashmir Valley witnessed substantial snowfall, much to the delight of residents and visitors alike. The arrival of snow has been heralded as a blessing for the region, which has been eagerly awaiting its transformative presence. Farmers, business owners, and tourists expressed optimism about the opportunities the snowfall brings.
Manzoor Ahmad, a tour operator in Gulmarg, captured the sentiment of the local business community, saying, “It’s been tough with no tourists. This snowfall has revived our spirits. I already have bookings, and I hope this will keep going all season.” In Pulwama, shopkeeper Shabir Ahmad noted, “Snow always brings more tourists, and more tourists mean more business for us. We are looking forward to a good winter season.”
For farmers, the snowfall offered a reprieve from months of worry. Abdul Rashid, a farmer in Kulgam, said, “The dry spell had us worried, but this snow will replenish our water sources and help our crops thrive in the coming months. This snowfall is vital for us.” Similar sentiments were echoed by Ghulam Hassan, another farmer from the area, who expressed hope for an improved agricultural season.
Children and tourists in Srinagar wasted no time in making the most of the snow. College student Iqra Jan described the scene as magical, remarking, “This is the most beautiful part of Kashmir. The snow makes everything look like a dream.” Visitors to the Valley shared her enthusiasm. Harpreet Kaur, a tourist from Punjab, said, “We came to Kashmir hoping to see snow, and it’s been a dream come true.” Arjun Singh, a traveller from Mumbai, reflected on the dual nature of the snowfall, saying, “We’re thrilled to experience this winter wonderland, even if it’s causing some travel delays.”
However, the heavy snowfall also caused disruptions, particularly at Srinagar International Airport, where all evening flights were cancelled due to snow accumulation on the runway and reduced visibility. An airport spokesperson explained, “The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority, and operations are heavily dependent on weather conditions.” Stranded passengers displayed a mix of frustration and awe at the snow-clad surroundings. Meenakshi Sharma, one such traveller, remarked, “I was looking forward to spending the New Year with my family in Delhi, but the snow’s beauty makes it hard to stay upset.”
The snowfall also caused delays and disruptions on key roads and highways across the Valley. Authorities urged travellers to exercise caution, particularly in snow-affected areas where slippery roads and reduced visibility posed challenges. Deputy Commissioners in districts like Kulgam and Shopian personally oversaw snow clearance efforts to ensure essential services were not disrupted. Kulgam’s Deputy Commissioner Athar Amir Khan reported that teams had been deployed to clear over 1,400 kilometres of priority roads, including access routes to hospitals and other vital areas. Snow clearance machines were stationed in upper reaches such as Kund and DH Pora to address the challenges of these remote regions.
Shopian’s Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, similarly emphasised the administration’s commitment to maintaining road connectivity and essential services. “Snow clearance has been undertaken across the district, and we’re working proactively to minimise disruptions for residents and travellers,” he said.
The snowfall’s impact extended beyond Kashmir to parts of the Jammu region, where several districts, including Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar, also experienced snow. Light rain in the Jammu plains added to the wintry atmosphere, with temperatures dropping further. Higher altitudes in South Kashmir, such as Bijbehara, Shopian, and Pulwama, were similarly transformed by the snow, much to the delight of locals and tourists.
In Srinagar, the University of Kashmir postponed all examinations scheduled for Saturday due to the inclement weather. A notice from the university assured students that fresh dates for the postponed papers would be announced soon.
Despite the inconveniences, the snowfall has been met with widespread joy and gratitude across the Valley. Nazir Ahmed, a 65-year-old resident of Anantnag, reflected on the cultural significance of snowfall, saying, “Snow is a part of our lives here. It brings life back to the Valley, and we’ve been waiting for this moment.”
With more snowfall predicted in the coming days, the people of Kashmir are embracing the season’s first snow as a symbol of renewal, beauty, and hope for a brighter winter ahead. (With KINS, DIPR Inputs)
