Parts of North India witnessed cold wave and fog from Monday morning with plains of Kashmir receiving heavy snowfall for the last three days after a long-drawn-out dry spell.
Although the met department had anticipated modest snowfall, the region witnessed a heavy snowfall that began on Friday afternoon and continued intermittently till Saturday morning, disrupting rail, road and air traffic.
Rail services resumed after 1 p.m. on Saturday while the traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained suspended for the entire day. The heavy snowfall also prompted the Airport authorities to cancel flights for the day.
Kashmir engulfed in snow
| Photo Credit: Gulzar Bhat
An official told businessline that both the air and surface traffic resumed on Sunday.
“The runways at Srinagar International Airport have been cleared and the flights’ operations have resumed”, he said.
He said that the traffic on Jammu- Srinagar National Highway was also restored on Sunday morning.
Kashmir engulfed in snow
| Photo Credit: Gulzar Bhat
The snowfall turned the famous tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam into a winter wonderland draping the lofty mountains in these areas in a milky white blanket.
Located at an altitude of 8,694, Gulmarg received 13 to 15 inches of snow, while Pahalgam recorded a snowfall of 15 to 18 inches.
The abundant snowfall has lifted the spirits of tourists holidaying in the Valley.
Kashmir engulfed in snow
| Photo Credit: Gulzar Bhat
“We are over the moon. The snowfall made our trip truly unforgettable” said Rakesh Sharma, a tourist from Chandigarh.
Last year, Kashmir witnessed well-nigh a snowless winter, disappointing skiers and snow lovers.
Sharif Ahmad Dar, Assistant Manager at Hotel Grand Mumtaz said that they were expecting a 30 to 40 increase in bookings in January , 2025. He said that they were fully booked for New Year’s, but flight cancellations caused some tourists to cancel their reservations.
Warm hospitality
Amidst bone-chilling temperatures, the heavy snowfall on Friday evening left a knot of tourists from Punjab and Maharashtra stranded along Srinagar- Sonamarg highway. Local residents in the Gund area opened the doors of a grand mosque to shelter them, while others offered refuge in their homes.
Kashmir engulfed in snow
| Photo Credit: Gulzar Bhat
“We were chilled to the bone. They gave us shelter and helped us during this difficult time. Their kindness and hospitality are remarkable”, a tourist told reporters.