From celebration to chaos: Snowfall hits normal life in Srinagar
Srinagar, Jan 27: The summer capital received another spell of snowfall causing disruption of normal life due to slippery roads and power outages.
From early morning hours, moderate snowfall blanketed Srinagar and its outskirts, with a few inches recorded in areas like Harwan, Fakir Gujri, Dara, Khimber and Upper Theed. By afternoon a thin white carpet had settled across much of the city, while intermittent snowfall continued through the day, picking up at intervals.
Amid joy over the season's major snowfall, normal life bore the brunt of the inclement weather. Commuters complained that roads turned slippery, public transport thinned, and commuters had a tough time navigating through waterlogged stretches and pothole-ridden lanes.
They said two-wheeler riders faced particular difficulty, with several videos circulating on social media showing riders struggling to maintain balance on icy roads in Lal Chowk and Amira Kadal.
“It was extremely difficult to travel today. The roads were so slippery. But at the same time, we were waiting for snow for a long time, so there is happiness as well,” said Umar Shah, a commuter from Downtown.
Despite the disruptions, snowfall infused a festive mood across Srinagar. The city centre witnessed unusual buzz as tourists thronged Lal Chowk, Clock Tower, newly developed Amira Kadal, and nearby areas, capturing selfies, shooting videos, and admiring the rare sight of snow in the heart of the city. Children were seen building small snowmen in parks and lanes, a winter ritual that marks joy after the first proper snowfall.
“I never imagined I would see snowfall in the city itself. We had planned to go to Gulmarg today to follow the snow, but when we woke up and saw snow everywhere in Srinagar, it felt magical,” a group of tourists at Lal Chowk said.
Air traffic at Srinagar Airport also witnessed disruptions, affecting several flights and causing inconvenience to passengers, including Umrah pilgrims from different parts of the Valley.
Meanwhile, waterlogging in roads and low-lying areas added to the inconvenience. “There are puddles of water everywhere on the roads. We have always demanded a more robust drainage system, which is vital, especially during rain and snow,” Shahid Ahmad, a local from Hazratbal, said.
Power supply was disrupted in several localities, creating inconvenience to locals. A resident from the outskirts of Hazratbal said, “Electricity went off for some time in the morning, but it was restored quickly,” said another local from Hazratbal.
Officials from the district administration said they are fully prepared with the men and machinery to deal with any situation.
“Despite snow, sanitation workers are on the ground with their routine sanitation work, and wherever snow clearance is required, teams are ready,” said an official of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation.
