What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall blanketed parts of Kashmir on Sunday, paralyzing air traffic at the Srinagar International Airport where all flights were cancelled due to dense fog and poor visibility. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast scattered snowfall until Monday afternoon, warning of further disruptions.
Snowfall was reported in several areas, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Kokernag, Kupwara, Baramulla, Sonamarg, and Srinagar. Officials said Gulmarg received 21 cm of snow, Pahalgam recorded 1.4 cm, and Kokernag saw 0.3 cm. Kupwara registered a mix of 9.1 mm of rain and snow, while Srinagar experienced light snowfall.
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Snow clearance operations are underway across key routes, but roads leading to high-altitude areas such as Machil, Tangdhar, Keran, and Gurez remain inaccessible due to heavy snow accumulation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured residents that restoration work was being prioritized. “Electricity demand in the valley has reached 1200 MW and will increase as the day progresses. Priority roads are being cleared on a war footing,” he wrote on X, adding that senior officials, including ministers Sakina Itoo and Javaid Dar, are overseeing relief efforts in affected districts.
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Meanwhile, the valley continues to endure extreme cold. Kokernag, the coldest area in Kashmir on Sunday, recorded a frigid -8.1°C. Srinagar saw a low of -2.5°C, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam experienced -4°C and -3.2°C, respectively. Other areas like Qazigund, Konibal, and Kupwara also reported sub-zero temperatures.
The region remains in the grip of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, which began on December 21. Known for its freezing temperatures and heavy snow, Chillai Kalanwill continue until January 29, followed by shorter cold phases—Chillai Khurd (20 days) and Chillai Bachha (10 days).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert, predicting widespread snowfall and heavy accumulations in mid and high-altitude regions, including the Chenab Valley. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions during adverse weather.
Director of Srinagar International Airport, Javed Anjum, confirmed that all flights on Sunday were cancelled due to dense fog. “Poor visibility left us with no choice but to cancel over 50 scheduled flights,” he said. On Saturday, the airport had witnessed 63 flights, facilitating 11,169 passengers.
