A fresh spell of snowfall blanketed most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, ending a drawn-out dry spell and bringing relief to farmers and local businesses.
Following intense rains, woolly snowflakes began heavily touching both the plains and upper reaches of Kashmir, and parts of the Chenab Valley region since Thursday evening, disrupting the road and rail and air traffic. Meteorologists had already forecast a wet spell from February 25-28.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jammu and Kashmir told businesline that Srinagar received 3.4 centimetres of snow, while the tourist hotspots Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded 113 and 23 centimetres of snow respectively.
“Sonamarg experienced 75 centimetres, while Baderwah in Chinab valley recorded 7.5 Centimetres”, said the Director.
Breaking connectivity
The snowfall disrupted road, rail and air travel across Jammu and Kashmir. Heavy snowfall between Ramsu and Qazigund led to the closure of the vital Jammu-National Highway, the region’s lifeline. Rail services and flight operations at Srinagar International Airport were also affected.
An official said that rail services were partially affected, while after an initial delay, flights resumed operations at around 11 am. The snowfall also prompted the government to extend the winter vacations of schools till March 7.
Respite from dry spell
The weather during the Chailai Kalan and Chilai Khurd—the harshest phases of winter spanning from December 21 to February 19—remained largely dry with the region recording 8 degrees above normal temperature in February. Jammu and Kashmir saw over 80 percent precipitation deficit, which was reduced to 42 percent following the recent snowfall.
The dry weather patterns had resulted in the drying of springs and decline in water levels of the major tributaries of Jhelum River.
Over the last two months, Gulmarg, the key winter sports destination, received insufficient snowfall, spurring the authorities to call off the 5th edition of Khelo India Games, scheduled to be held from February 22 to 25.
The protracted dry-spell had also caused much distress among the apple cultivators fearing the damage to crops and low-quality fruit.
Zahoor Ahmad Rather, president Apple Farmers’ Federation of India (Jammu & Kashmir Chapter) said that the rain and snow were crucial at such a stage.
“The farmers were unable to carry out plantation and apply fertilizers amidst a dry spell”, he said. Meanwhile, the recent snowfall is expected to boost tourism, increasing footfall in the region and benefiting local businesses. The snow deficit had severely impacted the livelihoods of transporters, ski operators, travel agencies, and tourist guides.
“The fresh snowfall will revive the business”, said a tourist guide at Gulmarg.