The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — In a first of its kind, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the Valley witnessed the record-breaking driest Chillai Kalan this year.

As per the details shared by the Meteorological department, this year's prolonged dry spell has surpassed the previous records at all the stations across Kashmir.

In Srinagar, a precipitation of 1.5 mm was received from December 21, 2023 to January 30, 2024, thereby recording the driest-ever Chillai Kalan. The previous driest Chillai Kalan in Srinagar was witnessed in 2015 when 5.6 mm of precipitation was recorded.

According to the news agency KNO, Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, has surpassed the record of 1987 when 17.7 mm of precipitation was recorded. The famous spot has recorded a precipitation of just 17.3 mm this Chillai Kalan.

Qazigund also surpassed the record of 2018 as against the then precipitation of 4.8mm, it has recorded 0.0 mm precipitation this Chillai Kalan.

Pahlagam, a famous tourist spot has witnessed the driest-ever Chillai Kalan after the gap of six years as against the precipitation of 13.9 in 2018, it has recorded a precipitation of only 2.7 mm in the last 40 days.

Kupwara also recorded a low precipitation during the 40-day harshest winter period this year as against the previous record of 15.8 mm in 2001, it has received a precipitation of just 13.8 mm.

Kokernag and Banihal have recorded 0.0 mm precipitation this Chillai Kalan, thus simultaneously breaking the previous record of 5.5 mm and 4.3 mm precipitation respectively in the year 2018.

Pertinently, the 40-day Chillai Kalan in Kashmir this year witnessed warmer days and prolonged dry spell while the experts here have sounded alert, saying that the dry spell will have repercussions in the future.

SRINAGAR — The persistent dry spell in Kashmir, especially in the peak time of Chillai Kalan, has cast a shadow on Kashmir’s major water resources including Jehlum and other streams while the water level in all the surface water sources has registered a significant dip.

Talking exclusively to the news agency KNO, Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department Kashmir, Sanjeev Malhotra said that the dry spell has already started impacting the water resources here. “In absence of the timely snowfall and rainfall, the water level in all the surface water sources here has reduced,” he said.

He added that the department has been ensuring adequate water supply to the people by resorting to curtailments, but certainly, it is going to impact in the long run. “The snowfall in Chillai Kalan is pivotal to have adequate water, but as this period is going on presently on a dry note, it will have a long-term effect as well,” he said.

Furthermore, he stated that the snowfall during the peak time of Chillai Kalan is important as the snowfall after this period will not have sustainability like today’s period. “Our surface water sources are not getting recharged in the absence of the snowfall and rainfall, so the precipitation at this juncture is a must to get our sources recharged well in advance for the future months,” he said.

Moreover, the weatherman here has predicted a dry spell till January 16 but added that a few feeble Western Disturbances would affect Jammu & Kashmir after January 16. “Dry weather would likely continue till January 16 with cloudy on 12th evening,” Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said, adding that a few feeble Western Disturbances are approaching after January 16.

He added that the maximum over many stations of Kashmir region today was 7-8 degrees Celsius above normal while the dense fog over the plains of Jammu would likely continue during the next three days.

Pertinently, the parts of Kashmir continued to witness sub-zero temperatures amidst the ongoing 40-day harshest winter period, Chillai Kalan, which commenced on December 21, 2023 and will end on January 31.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius. Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir, also recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, recorded a low of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam, a famous tourist place, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius. In Kupwara, the mercury settled at minus 4.5 degrees Celsius while in Kokernag, a minimum temperature of minus 1.2 degrees Celsius was recorded.

PULWAMA — Pulwama district was aglow with cultural vibrancy during the celebration of Jashan Chilla-i-Kalan, an event that echoed the ethos of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY). The festivity, hosted at the Administrative Complex Pulwama, stood as a significant cultural milestone, showcasing the Valley's profound history and heritage.

The event, a part of an ongoing series of activities in the district, attracted a large audience. Dr Basharat Qayoom, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Pulwama, alongside officials including ADDC Pulwama and SSP Pulwama, graced the occasion, emphasizing the imperative nature of preserving cultural roots.

Various traditional stalls within the Administrative Complex exhibited a diverse range of products, providing a beautiful representation of the region's cultural traditions. Notably, live demonstrations of arts and crafts, such as pottery, Sozni embroidery, and live paper mache crafting, captivated the audience. Students brought historical narratives to life through engaging performances, enriching the celebratory atmosphere.

The event unfolded with live presentations showcasing various art forms, including traditional pottery and cultural performances. Local artists and students contributed to an immersive experience, portraying the region's heritage through paintings and cultural expressions.

During the program, the DC underscored the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage. He expressed that such events aim not only to honour the rich traditions but also to explore new avenues, including digital governance while celebrating heritage.

Acknowledging the region's transformative journey, the DC commended the efforts of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in effectively reaching beneficiaries and implementing developmental schemes.

The celebration encompassed a fusion of cultural richness, historical significance, and a commitment to modern governance, signifying a unified vision for preserving and promoting the legacy of Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — With the onset of Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day period of intense winter, the mercury has dropped significantly across the Kashmir Valley. The local meteorological department predicts dry weather conditions prevailing until the conclusion of this month.

As reported by the news agency KNO, the night temperatures across the valley have fallen several degrees below freezing, with Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recording a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius.

Qazigund in south Kashmir registered a low of minus 4.0 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam recorded a minimum temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius.

In Gulmarg, the mercury settled at minus 3.0 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara in north Kashmir experienced a low of minus 4.0 degrees Celsius. Similarly, in Kokernag, the temperature dropped to minus 3.0 degrees Celsius.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), informed that the weather is likely to remain predominantly cloudy with a chance of light snow over isolated higher altitudes on December 23.

However, he noted that dry weather is expected from December 24 to December 26, with a return of cloudy conditions and the likelihood of light snow over isolated higher areas on December 27.

The MeT Director further forecasted a continuation of dry weather conditions from December 28 to 31, emphasizing that no significant weather disruptions are anticipated until the end of December.

Pertinently, Chillai-Kalan, a 40-day phase signifying the most severe winter period, has commenced. This phase, running from December 21 to January 31, marks the harshest winter in the Kashmir region. It is succeeded by a 20-day Chillai-Khurd (lesser cold) from January 31 to February 19 and a 10-day Chillai-Bachha (baby cold) spanning February 20 to March 2.

Chillai-Kalan, derived from Persian, translates to "Major Cold".