Season’s First Snowfall Hits J&K: Key Roads Closed, Temperature Plummets
Quick-Answer Summary Box:
- Event: Season’s first snowfall in higher reaches, rains in plains
- Road Closures: Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Zojila, Razdan Pass and others closed
- Temperature Drop: Sharp 10-16°C fall across J&K
- Power Impact: Kashmir’s electricity demand surges by 200 MW
- Tourism Hope: Early snowfall raises hopes for tourism revival in Bhaderwah
Major Road Connections Snapped Due to Heavy Snowfall
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Oct 6: The season’s first snowfall in higher reaches and widespread rains in plains of Kashmir and Jammu today caused a dramatic temperature plunge and led to closure of several vital road connections.
Official sources confirmed that road communication has been snapped due to snowfall at multiple key passes including Sinthan Pass (Kishtwar-Anantnag road), Mughal Road (Rajouri-Poonch with Shopian), Chattergalla Pass (Bhaderwah-Bani), Zojila Pass (Kashmir-Ladakh), Razdan Pass (Gurez valley) and other high-altitude areas.
Temperature Plummets Across Jammu and Kashmir
The day temperature in the Valley dipped by nearly 10 degrees Celsius, with Srinagar recording a maximum of around 12.5°C on Monday – a significant 13.0°C below normal. Other regions experienced even steeper drops:
- Kupwara: 10.8°C (16.0°C below normal)
- Pahalgam: 9.2°C (13.2°C below normal)
- Gulmarg: 4.4°C (12.1°C below normal)
- Jammu: 21.3°C compared to Sunday’s 31.0°C
Power Demand Surges by 200 MW in Kashmir
The sudden cold spell has immediately impacted power consumption patterns. KPDCL officials reported that Kashmir’s electricity demand has increased by nearly 200 Megawatts in the past two days.
“Earlier, there used to be a power demand ranging from 1350 to 1400 MWs. However, from the past two days the demand has increased by nearly 200 MWs,” an official said, while assuring improved power supply for the winter season.
Tourism Hopes Revive with Early Snowfall
The season’s first snowfall at famous tourist destination Guldanda near Bhaderwah has lifted hopes for tourism revival in the region, which has been struggling since the Pahalgam attack and recent floods.
Tourism stakeholders expressed optimism that the early snowfall at Guldanda, Chattergalla and majestic Ashapati and Kailash peaks could help restore visitor confidence and draw tourists back to Bhaderwah valley.
Weather Forecast and Rainfall Data
The Meteorological Department predicts continued wet weather for the next 24 hours in the Valley and many parts of Jammu region, with improvement expected from October 7 onward. Significant rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours includes:
- Batote: 25.3 mm
- Bhaderwah: 25 mm
- Katra: 17.5 mm
- Jammu: 12.8 mm
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which major roads are closed due to snowfall?
A: Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Chattergalla Pass, Zojila Pass, Razdan Pass and other high-altitude routes have been closed due to heavy snowfall.
Q2: How much has the temperature dropped?
A: Temperatures have plunged by 10-16°C across J&K, with Srinagar recording 12.5°C (13°C below normal) and Gulmarg at 4.4°C.
Q3: What is the impact on power supply?
A: Kashmir’s electricity demand has increased by 200 MW due to the cold weather, but KPDCL promises improved supply this winter.
Q4: How is this snowfall affecting tourism?
A: Early snowfall in Bhaderwah’s Guldanda area has raised hopes for tourism revival after months of downturn due to security concerns and floods.
Regional Impact and Recovery Hopes
While the unexpected weather has disrupted travel and daily life, it brings renewed hope for the tourism sector in Bhaderwah and other scenic areas. The early snowfall, combined with official assurances of improved infrastructure and power supply, suggests a potentially brighter winter season ahead for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and tourism industry.