Srinagar Witnesses Slight Relief from Chillai Kalan’s Grip
In a slight reprieve from the harsh cold wave, minimum temperatures in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir edged up on Monday, offering some relief to residents. However, the change was met with mixed reactions, with many still experiencing the intense chill.
On Monday, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, an improvement from the previous day’s minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. Similarly, Qazigund saw a rise to minus 3.6 degrees Celsius from minus 5.8 degrees Celsius.
South Kashmir also experienced some relief, with locations like Shopian and Pulwama witnessing an increase in temperatures. Shopian rose to minus 5.2 degrees Celsius from minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, while Pulwama saw a rise to minus 6.5 degrees Celsius from minus 7.7 degrees Celsius.
In north Kashmir, Kupwara and Sopore also saw upward trends in temperatures, with Kupwara improving to minus 3.7 degrees Celsius from minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, and Sopore to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius from minus 7.7 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, the popular ski resort, recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius compared to minus 6.2 degrees Celsius the previous night.
Despite the increase in temperatures, the change was not uniform in its impact. While some residents felt a slight warmth in the morning after several harsh nights, others noted that the difference was barely noticeable. Water pipes remained frozen, and mornings continued to be extremely cold for many.
Director of Gulmarg Adventure Academy, Azhar Fayaz Lone, mentioned that the ski resort did not experience any relief from the cold conditions despite the rise in night temperatures. In rural areas, the cold persisted, disrupting daily routines and causing delays in work.
While meteorological officials acknowledged the temporary respite provided by the rise in temperatures, they cautioned that cold conditions were likely to persist, with night temperatures staying below freezing across the region. Dry weather is expected to continue until January 16.
M M Parvaiz reports from Ramban
On the transportation front, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for two-way movement of vehicles on Monday. Despite some congestion at certain stretches between Udhampur and Banihal due to single-lane road conditions, traffic authorities expect the highway to remain open for two-way traffic on Tuesday, subject to fair weather.
Traffic police deployed at major choke points are regulating the movement of vehicles to ensure safe passage. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys during daylight hours, avoiding night travel to prevent inconvenience due to heavy vehicle movement.
Authorities clarified that reports of a night travel ban on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway were false, as two-way traffic is smoothly flowing round the clock. Regular traffic advisories are being issued to keep commuters informed about traffic conditions.
Sumit Bhargav reports from Rajouri
Meanwhile, the Mughal Road, which had been closed for seven consecutive days due to adverse conditions, was fully restored on Monday. Normal traffic movement was allowed, with all categories of vehicles permitted to ply on the road. Commuters have been advised to strictly follow the traffic schedule to ensure smooth and safe movement.
As per the latest advisory, vehicles will be allowed to proceed beyond designated cut-off points only after 10 am and again after 2:30 pm. Following traffic guidelines and instructions from traffic personnel will help in maintaining a hassle-free commute.
