Sub-zero chill of Chillai Kalan hits business activity in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 11: Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harshest phase of winter in Kashmir, has pushed temperatures well below freezing and brought economic activity across the Valley to a near standstill, with businesses reporting a sharp decline in sales and movement.

From retail markets and transport services to construction sites, the prolonged spell of sub-zero temperatures has severely disrupted day-to-day economic activity, impacting livelihoods across multiple sectors.

Although no official data is available to quantify the decline, trade bodies and business owners say the slowdown during Chillai Kalan is particularly acute. Qazi Touseef, a trader, said that while precise figures are lacking, the impact is clearly visible across markets.

“There is no consolidated data to suggest the exact drop in sales, but based on ground feedback, business activity declines by nearly 50 to 60 per cent during winter, especially during Chillai Kalan,” he said.

Touseeq attributed the downturn largely to the absence of social and commercial activities. “During winter months, we see very few social functions due to persistent sub-zero temperatures. Weddings, events and outdoor gatherings are postponed, directly affecting retail, services and transport,” he added.

Retailers in Srinagar echoed similar concerns, saying even essential consumer goods witness slower movement during peak winter. “People avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary,” said Tariq Ahmad, a city-based retailer. “Even fast-moving consumer goods, which usually remain stable, are impacted because marriages and large social functions are avoided during this intense cold.”

Transporters said freezing temperatures reduce both passenger and goods movement. “There are fewer vehicles on the road, passenger numbers drop and goods transportation faces delays. Maintenance costs increase while earnings fall,” said a local transporter.

Construction is among the worst-hit sectors during Chillai Kalan, as freezing conditions bring work to a halt. With temperatures remaining below zero for extended periods, activities such as concreting and masonry become unviable.

“Construction activity almost stops during Chillai Kalan,” said Sajad Ahmad, a contractor associated with several private housing projects. “Frozen soil, water shortages and the risk of structural damage make it impossible to work. Daily-wage migrant labourers also leave the Valley due to extreme cold, making it difficult to find manpower.”

Economists say the winter slowdown is a recurring challenge for Kashmir’s economy, where a significant share of livelihoods depends on weather-sensitive sectors.

With Chillai Kalan still underway, traders and workers alike are hoping for a respite from the cold to revive economic activity across the Valley.