Kashmir slips deeper into winter

Srinagar, Jan 11: Kashmir continued to reel under a biting cold wave on Sunday, with persistent sub-zero temperatures and scant snowfall in Chillai Kalan making daily life increasingly difficult and fueling concerns among the people.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund in south Kashmir settled at minus 5.8 degrees Celsius and Kupwara in north Kashmir at minus 5.6 degrees Celsius.

Colder conditions prevailed in several parts of south Kashmir, with Pahalgam recording minus 7.6 degrees Celsius, Anantnag minus 7.1 degrees Celsius and Pulwama minus 7.7 degrees Celsius.

Shopian emerged as one of the coldest places in Kashmir at minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, while Sopore in north Kashmir also touched minus 7.7 degrees Celsius.

Sub-zero temperatures were reported from Gulmarg, Pampore, Awantipora, Budgam, Baramulla, and Ganderbal, reflecting the widespread impact of the cold wave.

Despite the intense cold, the winter has remained largely snowless in the plains.

Only a few high-altitude areas in south and north Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Sinthan Top, and Peer Ki Gali, have witnessed intermittent snowfall so far.

Even areas like Shopian and Pahalgam, traditionally known for receiving heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan, have not seen any significant accumulation this season, an unusual pattern that has added to public concern.

Residents across Kashmir say the prolonged cold wave without snowfall has compounded their difficulties.

“Without snow, the cold feels sharper, especially at night. Water taps freeze, and heaters have to be used round the clock,” said Muhammad Imran of Srinagar’s Jawahar Nagar locality.

In south Kashmir, people in rural areas said sub-zero nights had made early morning work increasingly difficult, while the snowless winter had heightened concerns among the farmers.

“Snowfall is crucial at this stage for apple and other crops. The absence of snow will not only lead to a water crisis in summer but could also have serious implications for different crops,” said Tariq Ahmad Mir, an apple cultivator from Shopian.

Abdul Rashid, an elderly resident from Pulwama’s Abhama village, told Greater Kashmir that the cold had become harder to bear amid a dry spell.

“Children and the elderly are falling sick, and power cuts during freezing nights make the situation worse,” he said.