SRINAGAR: Delayed snowfall in Kashmir Valley has led to an unusual and prolonged dry spell amid the harsh winter period, Chilla-i-Kalan (40-day peak winter period). The severe dry spell has not only disappointed tourists and local residents but also raised concerns.
Almost no snowfall and precipitation levels has also raised concern over potential water scarcity across the region particularly in summers and autumn. The dry spell last year resulted in low water discharge in the rivers bringing down the power generation from hydel projects across Jammu and Kashmir. This also created power crisis in J&K.
The J&K Meteorological Department has predicted no significant weather activity till January 14 with generally cloudy skies on January 9.
The satellite images from Google Earth of the previous years also show significant change in the snow accumulation in the glaciers and valleys of Kashmir.
Satellite images from Google Earth of Gulmarg of current and previous years.
Satellite images of Sonamarg
Satellite images of Pahalgam
The dry spell has also taken sheen off the picturesque landscapes that define Kashmir. This not only impacts the visual beauty of the region but also threatens the livelihoods of those who rely on the usual snowfall patterns.
The water level in the River Jhelum and other water bodies across the Valley has decreased considerably in the absence of snow and rain with experts raising concerns if this dry spell continues to grip the region.
Famous ski resort Gulmarg has also experienced a reduced snowfall this year to the disappointment of locals and tourists alike. Gulmarg is thronged by tourists during winters to witness pristine beauty of snow-covered mountains.
The dry spell also triggered fire incidents in sprawling Golf Courses of Gulmarg, where they were extinguished by the local Fire Services and Emergency Service during the past few days.
The situation is no different in hilly areas like Gurez, Karnah, Keran, Mughal Road, which witness heavy snowfall during this period of winter, as these areas have also received less or no snow so far.
Tourist destinations of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, and other places in Kashmir and Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu region have also received very less snowfall compared to previous years.
Rise In Night Temperature
There was slight rise in night temperature on Tuesday as Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.4°C.
A MeT official said on Wednesday that the temperature was 0.5°C below normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.
He said the Srinagar experienced minimum temperature of minus 4.3 °C on Tuesday night.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 2.6°C against minus 4.2°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 0.5°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.
Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 4.4°C against minus 5.3°C on the previous night and it was 2.6°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 1.2°C against minus 2.1°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 2.8°C for the place, the official said.
Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.5°C against minus 5.0°C on the previous night and it was 1.8°C below normal there, the official said.
Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 4.6°C against minus 4.0°C on the previous night and the temperature was 3.2°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.
Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 5.1°C against 4.3°C on previous night, and it was below normal by 2.3°C for the winter capital of J&K.
Banihal recorded a low of minus 0.0°C, Batote 2.1°C and Bhaderwah 0.6°C, he said.
Kashmir valley is under ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter, which will end on January 30. However, it does not mean an end to the winter. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (Medium Cold) that occurs between January 30 and February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1.
Khelo India Winter Games 2024
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparations for the 4th Khelo India Winter Games scheduled to begin on 2nd February at Gulmarg in the backdrop of prolonged dry spell in Kashmir Valley.
LG was briefed by Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary of Youth Services and Sports, on the progress of preparatory works assigned to the concerned departments.
The L-G directed the departments concerned to complete all works expeditiously through time-bound action plans and ensure all the facilities meet international standards.
“The success of previous editions of the Khelo India Winter Games has transformed J&K UT into a winter sports hub. It must be ensured that this year too becomes a momentous occasion for athletes and winter sports enthusiasts coming to J&K UT from across the country. We will have an opportunity to present our rich culture and warm hospitality and everyone must work together to create memorable experiences for them,” he said.
The meeting also discussed the comprehensive strategy for promotional campaigns, the establishment of joint control rooms, a deputation of Nodal officers, smooth flow of traffic, parking spaces, lodging, transportation, uninterrupted power & water supply, medical facilities, public utility and other amenities. The L-G directed the concerned departments for effective coordination for the smooth conduct of the games.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to L-G; Atal Dullo Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to L-G; senior officers of Police and Civil administration attended the meeting in person and through virtual mode.
—–
Have you liked the news article?