Srinagar: Heavy snowfall across Kashmir disrupted normal life on Saturday, causing widespread road closures, flight cancellations, and power outages. The season’s first major snowfall impacted several districts, including Srinagar, which received about 8 inches of snow.
However, despite claims by government departments that roads have been cleared and power is being restored, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Many villages and remote areas in Kashmir are still cut off, with people struggling to move through snow-covered roads.Power outages have made life even harder, leaving families without electricity or heating in freezing weather.
In Kulgam, Ghulam Nabi Dar said, “The roads are still blocked. We’ve had to clear paths ourselves because no officials have shown up.”
The Jammu-Srinagar highway is shut due to snow accumulation, while train services between Banihal and Baramulla are suspended. Nearly 80% of flights to and from Srinagar Airport were cancelled, with remaining flights likely to follow suit.
Power development department officials reported outages, with 41 high-voltage feeders and hundreds of lower-voltage lines affected. Restoration work is ongoing, with more than 90% of major feeders expected to be operational by evening. Over 60% of roads have been cleared in some districts, and snow clearance efforts continue across major and internal routes.
In Islamabad, schoolteacher Hina Akhtar said, “We haven’t had electricity for two days, and the cold is unbearable. The authorities say they’re working, but we see no results.
Police in Pulwama responded to multiple distress calls, rescuing stranded people and facilitating medical emergencies despite challenging conditions. Essential services, including hospitals, are being prioritised for snow clearance and power restoration.
Amid disruptions, locals opened mosques and homes to assist stranded tourists, reflecting Kashmir’s tradition of hospitality. The move has been lauded by many on social media praising the generous act of the Kashmiris.
The harsh winter period, known locally as Chillai-Kalan, continues to test infrastructure and resilience in the region, with authorities working to restore normalcy.
