Jammu and Kashmir was cloaked in a white blanket of snow on Friday after the season’s first snowfall, long awaited by residents of the Valley.
The union territory’s picturesque Bhaderwah Valley’s roads and streets were clad in snow early morning, as was the Doda town, adding to the charm of the popular tourist destination.
The famous hill resorts of Jammu province, including Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar and Batote, also experienced the season’s first snowfall, bringing cheers to all those dependent on the tourism industry.
Heavy snowfall, which began overnight on Thursday and continued through Friday, has ended a prolonged dry spell in Kashmir, blanketing the landscape and providing much-needed relief from the intense cold wave.
According to MeT officials, most weather stations across the Kashmir Valley recorded snowfall, with heavier falls predicted to continue throughout the day. Independent weather observers also reported that in Central Kashmir’s Pakherpora area in Budgam district, accumulations reached 1.5 to 2 feet, while Charar-i-Sharief saw 1.5 feet. The Srinagar airport area measured 3-4 inches, though the central part of Srinagar city received minimal accumulation.
Resultantly, flight operations at the Srinagar Airport have been temporarily suspended due to the heavy snowfall, prompting IndiGo Airlines and the airport authorities to advise passengers to check their latest flight status and use available options to rebook or request a refund.
“Please note that some flights to/from Srinagar Airport stand cancelled as of now today due to a NOTAM in force at Delhi Airport and ongoing snowfall conditions at Srinagar. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines before planning their journey. We regret the inconvenience caused,” the official handle of Srinagar airport shared in a post on X.
Also Read: Cold wave grips Kashmir; snowfall predicted
In a post on X, the airlines shared, “Due to snowfall in Srinagar, flight operations, both take-offs and landings, have been temporarily put on hold. This may lead to extended wait times both onboard and on the ground. To ensure we are ready for departure as soon as we receive clearance, our team may complete boarding formalities in advance. We understand that delays can be inconvenient, and we assure you that our team remains fully committed to make your wait as comfortable as possible.”
“We are closely monitoring the weather and will get you on your way as soon as conditions allow. Customers are advised to check their latest flight status before heading to the airport via http://bit.ly/3ZWAQXd. If your flight is impacted, options to rebook or request a refund are available at: https://goindigo.in/plan-b.html,” the post read.
Meanwhile, ground staff for various airlines confirmed that “snow clearance operations have begun, and top officials are currently monitoring the ground situation”.
The Bhaderwah police and the district administration have issued helpline numbers for people to reach out in case of emergencies, and advised them to remain cautious, especially while travelling to higher reaches.
SSP Traffic Police, National Highway, Raja Adil Hamid, said in view of ongoing rains and snow, traffic has been stopped at safer locations on NH44 as of now as a safety measure due to slippery road conditions.
On Thursday, gusty winds caused widespread destruction across north, south, and central Kashmir, uprooting trees, damaging rooftops, and affecting power lines throughout the region, prompting authorities to impose precautionary power cuts.
In South Kashmir, Shopian district was heavily affected, with its plains receiving 1.5 to 2.5 feet and higher reaches witnessing 2.5 to 4 feet. In Pulwama district, Drabgam and Rajpora each recorded 1.5 feet. Meanwhile, in North Kashmir, Gulmarg reported 2 feet of snow.
Kupwara district also received substantial snowfall, including 2.5 feet in Hachmarg and 2 feet each in Dedikote and Tangdhar.
It is believed that rainfall in the region would not only recharge the hydel project reservoirs, thereby increasing power generation, but also recharge the ground water level, thereby reviving springs and wells or ‘baoilies’, which are conducive for fruit and vegetable production.
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