TDD Correspondent
Srinagar,TDD,A biting cold wave has engulfed the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh with temperatures plummeting to freezing levels, disrupting normal life.
While many regions in the Kashmir Valley recorded sub-zero temperatures, Shopian stood out as the coldest place in the Valley at -8.1°C, closely followed by Anantnag at -6.6°C and Kulgam at -5.8°C.
The iconic tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded -4.6°C and -4.9°C, respectively, adding to the icy charm but also causing difficulties for residents and visitors alike. Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded -4.6°C, intensifying the winter chill. Sonamarg, another popular tourist hotspot, saw temperatures dip to -7.0°C. Daily life has been impacted as frozen water bodies and icy roads create hurdles for transportation and access to essential supplies.
In stark contrast to Kashmir, the Jammu region witnessed a mix of chilly and mild weather. Padder in Kishtwar district recorded a freezing -5.7°C, while Banihal saw temperatures dip to -1.3°C. The city of Jammu itself was relatively warmer at 6.5°C, with Ramban recording the highest minimum temperature in the region at 8.1°C. Tourist hubs like Katra registered 7.2°C, providing some respite from the cold.
The coldest temperatures were reported from Ladakh, where Kargil recorded a bone-numbing -8.8°C, making it the most frigid location across the Union Territories. Leh followed closely at -7.4°C. With the Drass sector unreported, it’s expected that temperatures there might have dipped even lower, given its reputation as one of the coldest inhabited places in the world.
The severe cold wave has led to widespread challenges, including frozen water pipelines, power outages in remote areas and disruptions in transportation due to icy roads. In the Valley, agricultural activities are at a standstill, and the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar has started to freeze along its edges. The harsh conditions have also prompted an increased demand for heating appliances, firewood, and warm clothing.
Despite the cold, the snow-covered landscapes of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg have attracted tourists seeking winter adventures. Authorities have urged visitors to exercise caution due to slippery roads and potential avalanches in higher altitudes.
The Meteorological Department has predicted that the ongoing cold wave will persist, with no significant rise in temperatures expected over the next few days. People have been advised to stay indoors during peak cold hours and ensure proper insulation of water pipelines to prevent freezing.
With the harshest phase of winter, locally known as “Chilai Kalan,” already in, the coming days, residents across Kashmir and Ladakh are bracing themselves for more challenging conditions ahead (TDD)
