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The recent heavy snowfall in Kashmir on February 28, 2025, has resulted in significant disruptions to transportation infrastructure across the region, impacting rail, air, and road travel. This adverse weather event has not only affected the daily lives of residents but also poses challenges to the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism. The sudden and intense snowfall, blanketing the valley in a thick layer of white, has highlighted the vulnerability of the region's connectivity to extreme weather conditions. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway, a vital lifeline connecting the valley to the rest of India, has been severely affected by snow accumulation, landslides, and mudslides, rendering it impassable. This blockage has cut off the valley's primary all-weather access route, creating difficulties in the movement of essential goods and services. The higher altitudes of the valley, including popular tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, have experienced moderate to heavy snowfall, further exacerbating the travel situation. While Srinagar itself witnessed light snowfall, even this has contributed to noticeable disruptions. The weather office has predicted an improvement in conditions by Friday afternoon, offering a glimmer of hope for a return to normalcy. However, the immediate aftermath of the snowfall has presented numerous challenges for authorities and residents alike. The closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway between Ramsoo and Qazigund has had a ripple effect, impacting supply chains and potentially leading to price increases for essential commodities. The landslides and mudslides reported along various sections of this critical route underscore the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures. These natural events not only block the road but also pose a safety risk to travelers. The suspension of flight services in the morning, with operations resuming only after 11 am, has caused delays and inconvenience for passengers. Similarly, train services between Budgam and Baramulla have been affected by heavy snow accumulation on the tracks, disrupting rail connectivity within the region. The widespread impact of the snowfall highlights the importance of investing in robust transportation infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events. This includes not only improving road maintenance and clearance capabilities but also enhancing the resilience of air and rail networks. Furthermore, effective disaster management strategies, including early warning systems and emergency response protocols, are crucial for mitigating the impact of such events. The recent snowfall serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the people of Kashmir due to its geographical location and vulnerability to natural disasters. The need for sustainable solutions that address both the immediate impact of such events and the long-term resilience of the region's transportation infrastructure is more pressing than ever.
The economic repercussions of the travel disruptions caused by the heavy snowfall are significant. Tourism, a major contributor to the Kashmiri economy, suffers immensely during such periods. The closure of access routes discourages visitors, leading to cancellations of bookings and a decline in revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other businesses catering to tourists. Moreover, the disruption of supply chains affects the availability and prices of goods, impacting the livelihoods of local traders and consumers. The agriculture sector, another important pillar of the Kashmiri economy, can also be affected by heavy snowfall, which can damage crops and hinder transportation of produce to markets. The government and local authorities face the daunting task of clearing snow from roads and railway tracks, restoring damaged infrastructure, and providing assistance to affected communities. This requires significant financial resources and efficient coordination among various agencies. The deployment of snow removal equipment, the mobilization of manpower, and the provision of emergency supplies are essential for mitigating the impact of the disaster. The experience gained from dealing with past weather events can be invaluable in developing effective response strategies and improving preparedness for future incidents. Collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities is crucial for ensuring a coordinated and effective response. The long-term impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Kashmir is a growing concern. As global temperatures rise, the region is likely to experience more frequent and severe snowstorms, as well as other climate-related hazards such as floods and droughts. This underscores the need for proactive measures to adapt to climate change and build resilience to its impacts. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable land management practices, and raising awareness among communities about climate risks are essential steps in this direction. The recent snowfall also highlights the importance of community preparedness and self-reliance. Residents need to be equipped with the knowledge and resources to cope with extreme weather events, including having access to emergency supplies, understanding evacuation procedures, and knowing how to stay safe during a snowstorm. Promoting community-based disaster risk reduction programs can empower individuals and families to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their property. The challenges posed by heavy snowfall in Kashmir are multifaceted and require a comprehensive and integrated approach. This includes addressing the immediate impact of the event, restoring damaged infrastructure, mitigating economic losses, adapting to climate change, and enhancing community preparedness.
Beyond the immediate logistical and economic challenges, the heavy snowfall in Kashmir also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of infrastructure development in the region. The construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects in mountainous areas requires careful planning and adherence to strict environmental safeguards to minimize the risk of landslides, erosion, and other environmental impacts. Sustainable construction practices, such as the use of bioengineering techniques and the implementation of soil conservation measures, are essential for ensuring the long-term stability of infrastructure in fragile ecosystems. The selection of appropriate building materials and the design of infrastructure projects must also take into account the unique climatic conditions of the region, including heavy snowfall, extreme temperatures, and seismic activity. Moreover, the integration of traditional knowledge and local expertise into infrastructure planning and design can enhance the resilience of projects to local hazards. The involvement of local communities in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects is crucial for ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed. This includes providing opportunities for local residents to participate in decision-making processes and to benefit from employment opportunities created by the projects. Transparency and accountability in infrastructure development are also essential for preventing corruption and ensuring that projects are implemented in a sustainable and equitable manner. The use of open data and citizen monitoring can help to improve the governance of infrastructure projects and to ensure that they are aligned with the public interest. The heavy snowfall in Kashmir serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sustainable development practices in mountainous regions. By adopting a holistic and integrated approach that considers environmental, social, and economic factors, it is possible to build infrastructure that is both resilient to natural hazards and beneficial to local communities. The challenges posed by climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events underscore the urgency of adopting sustainable development practices in Kashmir and other mountainous regions around the world. This requires a concerted effort by governments, businesses, and communities to promote environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic prosperity.
Source: Heavy snowfall in Kashmir disrupts rail, air and road travel across region