Rain in the plains and fresh snowfall in the higher reaches marked the beginning of Chillai Kalan, Kashmir’s harshest 40-day winter period, bringing relief after a prolonged dry spell across Jammu and Kashmir, according to a report from Srinagar..
Light to moderate snowfall was reported from high-altitude areas, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Sinthan Top, Peer Ki Gali and Zojila Pass, while widespread rainfall lashed the plains of Kashmir, Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal region.
The precipitation ended weeks of dry weather that had raised concerns over water availability, agriculture, forest fires and public health. Farmers and orchardists welcomed the change, saying the rain would help improve soil moisture and revive Rabi crops that had suffered due to lack of rainfall.
Several mountain passes and key roads, including the Mughal Road, Zojila Pass and routes connecting Warwan, Marwa and Kishtwar, were temporarily closed due to snow accumulation. Authorities said restoration of traffic would depend on weather conditions.
The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in the plains and snowfall in the upper reaches over the next 48 hours, raising hopes of a healthy winter season after last year’s deficit snowfall.
