Snowfall in Kashmir: A Blessing and a Challenge

By Ahmad Ayaz

After weeks of anticipation, snow finally graced the valleys of Kashmir, bringing a mix of joy and challenges.

The prolonged dry spell had caused concern among farmers, orchardists, and residents reliant on water sources. The arrival of snow was a relief, restoring a sense of normalcy that had been missing.

However, the initial euphoria was short-lived as the practical implications of heavy snowfall began to surface.

Road closures, flight cancellations, power outages, and disrupted daily life highlighted a recurring issue in Kashmir – the lack of preparedness for snowfall.

While the snow brought hope for water reserves, agriculture, and hydropower, it also underscored the systemic challenges that persist in the region.

The reliance on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway as the primary link to the rest of the country revealed the vulnerability of the valley to weather disruptions.

Power failures, particularly in rural areas, exposed the inadequacies of the electrical infrastructure in coping with winter demands.

Despite the annual predictability of snowfall, the response to clearing roads and restoring services remained disjointed, leaving many communities stranded.

The recurring cycle of surprise closures, supply chain disruptions, and economic strain during winter months highlighted the need for proactive planning and infrastructure upgrades.

While tourism benefits from snowfall, the unpredictability of travel conditions often deters visitors, impacting the local economy.

Efforts to improve rail connectivity offer hope for reducing isolation, but until a reliable all-weather transportation network is established, Kashmir remains vulnerable to weather-related disruptions.

Addressing the systemic issues requires a shift from reactive responses to proactive measures that anticipate and mitigate the impact of snowfall on essential services and livelihoods.

• The author, a political analyst and columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].