Unseasonal snowfall disrupts normal life in Ladakh
Kargil, Apr 20: Ladakh witnessed heavy snowfall on Sunday, throwing normal life out of gear across the region, particularly in Kargil district.
The unseasonal snowfall and intermittent heavy rains have caused considerable damage to the horticulture sector, disrupted power and road connectivity, and triggered landslides on key highways, officials said.
The Meteorological Department had earlier issued a red alert for the region, warning of intense precipitation.
The snowfall on April 19 caught many by surprise, as the region was in the midst of the apricot blossom season.
As a result, widespread damage to apricot and apple trees has been reported from several villages including Hardass, Chanigund, Karkitchoo, and Badgam, leading to significant losses for local farmers.
Traffic on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway was halted following landslides at Lamayuru.
The Kargil-Zanskar road was also closed as a precautionary measure.
Power supply to several areas remained affected, while snow-laden trees posed further risks to public safety and infrastructure.
Expressing concern, Councillor Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Abdul Wahid said, “I am sorry to hear about the challenges faced by farmers in my constituency due to the heavy snowfall. I have already reached out to the MP Ladakh Muhammad Haneefa Jan, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Muhammad Jaffer Akhoon, and the DC Kargil to ensure timely assistance to the affected.”
He emphasised the urgency of expediting compensation and relief, citing the dependence of local communities on the short horticulture season.
In response to the situation, Chairman and CEC LAHDC, Kargil, Muhammad Jaffer Akhoon, convened a high-level emergency meeting to assess the situation and coordinate relief and restoration efforts.
The meeting was attended by top officials from the Border Roads Organisations (BRO), Sub-District Magistrates (SDMs), Police, municipal bodies, forest and horticulture departments, and health and education sectors.
CEC Akhoon directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) to activate all departments for swift damage assessment, especially in the horticulture, forest, irrigation, and water supply sectors, and ensure proper documentation under disaster management norms for relief and compensation.
He also instructed NHIDCL to deploy dewatering pumps immediately to address water logging along major roads.
Special attention was given to stranded tourists in the Shakar Chiktan area, with SDM directed to facilitate their stay and extend hospitality.
The CEC was informed that restoration of the town’s power trunk line is underway and expected to be completed by evening.
Snow clearance efforts are ongoing, with Mechanical Department teams and machinery working across main and inner routes.
Hospitals and emergency services have been prioritised for restoration, and the people have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.
As a safety measure, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Kargil was directed to announce a three-day closure (April 21–23) for all government and private schools in the district.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange colour warning for Ladakh for April 20 and 21, forecasting continued rain and snow in many places.
Light snowfall is expected at isolated locations, followed by clearer conditions next week.
The IMD issued a warning that heavy rain and snow might trigger landslides, flash floods, shooting stones, and avalanches in vulnerable areas.
Residents, tourists, and concerned authorities have been advised to remain alert for the next 24 hours and consider shifting to safer places until conditions stabilise.
Officials said a detailed damage report will be prepared in the coming days as the weather clears and assessments are completed.
