Videos: Kashmir turns white as season's first snowfall ends dry run

The first snowfall of the season returned to several parts of Kashmir with the onset of Chilaikalan, breaking a prolonged dry spell and bringing relief to residents after nearly two months of bone-dry weather.

Snowfall was reported from the Gurez valley, Warwan valley and the higher reaches of south and north Kashmir, including Sinthan Top, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Top, Zojila and Sonmarg. Fresh snow was also recorded in Drass and parts of Kargil district, marking a widespread wet spell across the mountainous belt of the region.

The precipitation came as a crucial shift at a time when the region had been grappling with intense dry cold and shrinking water sources.

IMD FORECASTS WIDESPREAD SNOWFALL

The India Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with activity expected to intensify over the next two days.

Officials said the precipitation is likely to turn more widespread, particularly in higher reaches, and could continue intermittently through December 22.

The wet spell is expected to ease the severe dry cold gripping Kashmir and help replenish glaciers, streams and springs that had begun to shrink alarmingly. It has also revived cautious optimism in the tourism sector, which had been hit by the absence of snow during what is typically the peak winter season.

WATER CRISIS DEEPENS AMID DRY WEATHER

The prolonged absence of precipitation had pushed Kashmir into a water stress situation, with rivers, waterfalls and natural springs recording sharply reduced flow. In several areas, water bodies showed signs of drying up, prompting authorities to regulate water discharge to conserve supplies.

Government departments have begun rationing water in parts of the Valley to ensure availability for essential needs, including drinking water, irrigation and the protection of aquatic life. The dry spell had raised serious concerns about long-term water security if precipitation failed to arrive before peak winter.

CM OMAR ABDULLAH REVIEWS WINTER PREPAREDNESS

Amid the changing weather, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday chaired a review meeting on winter preparedness covering both the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region. He said all arrangements were in place to tackle heavy snowfall, though their effectiveness would only be tested once the weather system fully sets in.

“I reviewed preparedness in both divisions, especially areas where snowfall is expected — all districts in the Valley and higher reaches of Jammu. Preparations have been finalised, but the real test will come once it begins to snow,” Abdullah told reporters.

Acknowledging that snowfall may cause hardships, he said the region had been eagerly awaiting it after the prolonged dry spell. “The snowfall will clear the air, mitigate pollution and kick off the winter tourism season,” he said.

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