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Kashmir's Winter Awakening: First Snowfall Enlivens Valley Amid Chillai Kalan

Kashmir Valley has finally received its first major snowfall of the season, much to everyone's delight. This fresh blanket of snow is a huge boost for Gulmarg and other hill stations, just in time for Christmas and New Year tourists. Farmers are especially relieved, as the end of the dry spell is crucial for their crops and next year's fruit harvest. The snowfall also promises to replenish water sources and clear up the valley's air.

Key Points: First Snowfall Enlivens Kashmir as Gulmarg Awaits Tourists

  • Gulmarg ski resort receives nine inches of snow, boosting tourism for the holiday season
  • The snowfall ends a three-month dry spell, providing crucial relief to farmers and orchardists
  • Pulmonologists note improved air quality, offering relief for those with respiratory issues
  • Key mountain passes and highways are closed for traffic due to the fresh snowfall
2 min read

Season's first snowfall enlivens Kashmir; Gulmarg awaits Christmas, New Year eve revellers

The season's first snowfall blankets Gulmarg and Kashmir, bringing relief to farmers, boosting tourism hopes for Christmas, and improving air quality.

"Farmers and orchardists have heaved a sigh of relief - Article"

Srinagar, Dec 22

Snow in the higher reaches and rain in the plains of Kashmir Valley during the last 24 hours broke the three-month-long dry spell on Monday as the 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold, locally known as the ‘Chillai Kalan’, started on a positive note.

Gulmarg ski resort received nearly nine inches of snowfall during the last 24 hours, giving the resort its pristine white blanket. Skiers, Christmas and New Year's Eve revellers and those associated with the tourism industry had been looking eagerly forward to the snowfall.

Hill stations of Sonamarg and Pahalgam also received the season’s first snowfall during the last 24 hours as hoteliers and tour, and travel operators look forward to tourist arrivals during the next two to three days.

Farmers and orchardists have heaved a sigh of relief, and a continued dry spell was threatening not only the Rabi crop, but also the prospects of a good fruit season next year.

Snowfall during ‘Chillai Kalan’ traditionally replenishes all the perennial water reservoirs situated in the mountains.

These perennial water reservoirs sustain rivers, streams, lakes and springs in Jammu and Kashmir during the hot summer months.

Pulmonologists expect the rain and snow to improve the air quality in the Valley, thereby bringing relief to those facing breathing issues and other chest-related ailments.

The Meteorological (MeT) Department official said rain/snow can occur at scattered places in the union territory during the next 24 hours, though with milder intensity and periodicity.

Srinagar city had 4 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 2.4 and Pahalgam 2.4 degrees as the minimum temperature.

Jammu city and Katra town had 10.4 degrees Celsius, Batote 6.5, Banihal 2.4 and Bhaderwah 2.2 degrees as the minimum temperature.

The Srinagar-Leh highway and the Mughal Road have been closed for traffic, while traffic on Sinthan Pass in Anantnag, Razdan Pass in Bandipora and the Sadna Top in Kupwara has also been suspended.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Gulmarg looks absolutely magical! Perfect timing for the holiday season. I hope the tourism industry gets the boost it deserves. Planning a trip from Delhi next week if the roads are clear!
R
Rohit P
Relief for the lungs as well! The air quality in the valley has been concerning lately. This snow will wash away a lot of the pollutants. A positive start to the harsh winter period.
P
Priya S
While the snowfall is fantastic, the immediate closure of major highways is a recurring problem. The administration needs better snow-clearing machinery and protocols to minimize disruption for locals and essential supplies.
V
Vikram M
The economic ripple effect is huge. From hoteliers in Pahalgam to taxi drivers in Srinagar, everyone benefits. Hope the tourist influx is managed well with proper facilities and safety.
M
Michael C
Minus 2.4 in Gulmarg! That's proper winter. The photos are stunning. It's heartening to see the dry spell break. Kashmir in snow is truly heaven on earth.

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