Kashmir Hit by Fresh Snowfall, Disrupting Air Travel and Road Traffic
Kashmir witnessed heavy snowfall, which led to major disruptions across the region. Areas in the Valley, especially the higher altitudes, were blanketed in between 18 to 30 inches of fresh snow. The renowned ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a substantial 15 inches, while other regions like Srinagar, Budgam, and Kupwara saw 2 to 6 inches. This sudden snowstorm brought travel and daily life to a standstill, raising concerns about the region’s preparedness for such weather events.
For locals and visitors, the immediate aftermath of the snowfall was challenging. Flights from Srinagar Airport were delayed or rescheduled as visibility worsened, leaving many passengers stranded. Abid Ahmad, a resident of Shalteng Srinagar, expressed his relief when his flight to Mumbai, initially scheduled for the morning, was only postponed to the afternoon after the skies began to clear. “We were worried at first, but thankfully, the flights resumed,” he said, highlighting the frustrations of long hours spent waiting at the airport.
However, the issues didn’t end at the airport. The snow caused the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway early in the morning, adding to the stress for people relying on road travel. Vehicles, including tourists and locals, were stranded, some in snow-covered areas like Sonamarg, Gund, and Kangan. As the weather gradually improved after 10 AM, the road was cleared, and traffic was allowed to resume in both directions. Kashmir’s infrastructure, though continuously improving, was still not equipped to handle such heavy snowfall efficiently, creating a strain on both the authorities and residents. Snow clearance operations were quickly launched, but the priority was given to main roads, leaving some rural areas facing delays in accessing essential services. The delay in restoring transport links and the challenges in snow removal are major concerns for residents, particularly in the more remote districts where access to necessities can be cut off for days.
The region’s power infrastructure also faced challenges, with the electricity load rising to 1,200 MW, adding further strain to the already overwhelmed system. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted that snow clearance work was progressing, with priority given to critical roads, but acknowledged the difficulties in managing the aftermath of such a large-scale weather event. His government is actively monitoring the situation, with ministers and advisors touring affected districts to assess the ground situation and coordinate relief efforts. While many areas began to return to normalcy by late morning, the effects of the snowfall on daily life remained a concern. Locals reported difficulties in reaching workplaces and schools, while tourists were anxious about their travel plans. Police in Ganderbal were particularly active, ensuring the safety of both residents and tourists by deploying dedicated teams to assist those stranded due to snow. Their efforts helped alleviate some of the anxiety caused by the extreme weather, providing critical support to individuals stuck in remote areas.
In the midst of these weather challenges, the region’s infrastructure struggles became apparent, highlighting the need for better snow management systems and more resilient road networks. As the weather forecast predicts generally dry conditions through mid-January, the situation may improve, but the memory of these disruptions will stay with the people of Kashmir for a while. Many hope that the government will continue to invest in better infrastructure to prevent such chaos in the future, particularly in handling heavy snowfall events that are becoming more frequent in the region. While flights and traffic in Kashmir resumed as the skies cleared, the disruption caused by the fresh snowfall has underscored the ongoing challenges related to infrastructure. From delayed flights to road closures and power issues, the snowfall exposed the vulnerabilities of the region’s infrastructure. However, with concerted efforts from local authorities and the resilience of the people, normalcy is slowly returning, albeit with lessons learned for future preparedness.
