All roads in the higher reaches of Kashmir have been closed as the Meteorological Department predicts rain and snow in J&K over the next two days starting Tuesday afternoon. Snowfall is expected in the higher areas while rain is forecasted in the plains. Travellers and transporters are urged to adhere to the advisory issued by the traffic department and administrative bodies.
Authorities have halted traffic on several routes including the Srinagar-Leh highway, Sinthan Pass in Anantnag district, Margan Pass linking the valley with Kishtwar district, and the Mughal Road connecting the Valley with the Jammu division. However, traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway remains operational.
In terms of temperatures, Srinagar city recorded a minimum of one degree Celsius, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam registered minus 1.6 and minus 1.2 degrees respectively. Meanwhile, Jammu city experienced 8.6 degrees Celsius, Katra town 9.8, Batote 7.7, Banihal 5, and Bhaderwah 3.8 degrees as the lowest temperatures of the night.
The ‘Chillai Kalan’, a 40-day period of severe winter cold, commenced on December 21 and will conclude on January 30. The snowfall during this period is crucial for replenishing the water reservoirs in the mountains, which in turn support the region’s rivers, streams, and lakes during the summer. The first snowfall during Chillai Kalan is traditionally celebrated in Kashmir, with people exchanging greetings and hosting feasts.
The plains of Kashmir Valley are yet to witness the first snowfall of the season, leading to water scarcity in many areas. Rivers, streams, springs, and wells are currently at their lowest levels, exacerbating the water woes in the region.
