Barely 9 days remain for the conclusion of the 40-day-long ‘Chillai Kalan’ in Kashmir, with anticipation building for expected moderate to heavy snowfall starting Thursday afternoon. Srinagar city and other low-lying areas of the Valley are yet to witness the first snowfall of the season. The ‘Chillai Kalan’ period, crucial for replenishing water bodies in the region, concludes on January 30.
Concerns rise as major snowfall has not yet occurred in the higher regions of Jammu and Kashmir, worrying farmers, horticulturists, and the public. Since the commencement of ‘Chillai Kalan’ on December 21, the weather has predominantly remained dry. Reports from mountainous areas of J&K indicate low water levels in rivers, streams, and springs, impacting daily life.
The scarcity of snowfall in the higher altitudes has led to reduced water flow in rivers, affecting houseboats on the Jhelum River. Springs that sustain villages in the Valley are also experiencing minimal flow. The upcoming days may pose challenges for J&K residents if the MET department’s forecast of rain and snowfall from tomorrow afternoon materializes.
The MET department has issued an advisory for widespread rain and snow starting from January 22 afternoon, expected to peak on January 23. Disruptions in air and surface transport are anticipated during this period, urging tourists and transporters to plan their journeys accordingly. Temperature readings show Srinagar at a minimum of minus 2.4, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded minus 5 and minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, respectively. In Jammu city, the minimum temperature was 7.2 degrees Celsius.
