Weathering winter

Second snowfall within a week in the plains has brought joy to the Valley, despite the usual challenges attendant on the development. For example, it disrupts transportation and power supply, and limits accessibility to remote areas. The snow also places additional pressure on local authorities to ensure timely snow clearance, restore essential services, and provide support to vulnerable populations. However, unlike snowfall in past years, when the Valley plunged into a prolonged electrical failure the time first flakes fell, this time the power supply was restored quickly. Also unlike previously, the power department was better prepared to deal with the situation.

The utility has in the past been the target of public vitriol, both on the street and online for its inability to immediately restore electricity after the Valley was snowed in. As is natural after every light or heavy snowfall, Srinagar-Jammu national highway is closed to traffic leading to scarcity of many an essential commodity in the Valley – most of it, however, artificial in nature. Mercifully, the closure only lasted for a day this time, a sign of an improved connectivity with Jammu due to the upgradation of the road in recent years.

Successive snow spells have broken the grip of the bone-chilling dry cold that had frozen water bodies, wrecked plumbing in homes, and led to spread of flu and throat infections. However, the Valley remains in the deep embrace of chillai kalan. The night temperatures may have improved temporarily due to snowfall and the consequent cloudy skies, but they can plunge again as long as chillai kalan lasts.

Snow is the biggest attraction for tourists in mainland India and also for the skiers. A normal Valley winter with its recurring snowfalls is thus a boon for its economy as it draws high-spending visitors from far and wide. However, for this cold season to be easy on the common man and be more tourist-friendly, the government needs to work on better winter management. Situation has certainly improved over the years and this winter has been a redeeming change so far, but there is still scope for improvement. Continued investment in infrastructure, proactive planning, and efficient response mechanisms will ensure that winter in the Valley becomes a season of opportunity rather than adversity.