Most of the attention on the season's first big weather spell in Jammu and Kashmir went to the closed roads. The bigger story may be the water. Fresh snow fell on the higher reaches on Friday, and rain lashed the Valley over the previous 24 hours. Together they ended a long dry spell that had been draining the region's springs and wetlands.
The snow shut almost every mountain route leading out of the Valley. The Srinagar-Leh highway, Pir Ki Gali on the Mughal Road, Sinthan Pass towards Kishtwar district, Razdan Pass towards the border town of Gurez, and Sadhna Top towards Tangdhar and Karnah all became snowbound and unfit for travel.
For tourists, the change was a treat. The ski resort of Gulmarg and the tourist resort of Sonamarg woke up under fresh snow, and visitors there got the early winter scenery many had hoped for.
A Dry Spell That Was Hurting More Than Farms
The rain and snow mattered because conditions had become worrying. Perennial springs feed many of the drinking water schemes run by the Public Health Department (PHE). Since last month, they had been flowing at very low levels. For households that rely on these schemes, a longer dry spell could have meant real shortages heading into winter.
The current precipitation is expected to improve water storage and flow in the Valley's springs, wells, lakes and other water bodies. That eases some of the pressure on supply before the coldest months begin.
Wildlife was struggling too. Migratory bird reserves such as Hokarsar, Mirgund, Hygam, Chatlam and Shallabugh had been short of water. Thousands of birds that fly in each winter were forced to crowd close together. With water levels now expected to rise, these birds will have much more room. Kashmir's wetlands are a key winter stop on their migration routes, so this matters well beyond the Valley.
Advisory for Farmers and Travellers
The Meteorological Department forecast bad weather until Friday afternoon and a significant drop of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius during the day. Its advisory asked farmers to store their harvested crop safely, since the autumn harvest is still being handled in many areas.
The department also warned that moderate to heavy snow in the higher reaches could disrupt traffic over mountain passes and hilly roads. Travellers, transporters and tourists have been asked to follow the State Traffic Department's weather advisories before setting out.
The closures cut off remote areas such as Gurez, Tangdhar and Karnah, which depend heavily on these passes in winter. That makes the travel advisories especially important for people living there.
Kashmir Settles Into Winter Mode
Everyday life in the Valley has already changed. Locals have brought out the 'Pheran', the traditional tweed overgarment, and the 'Kangri', a portable firepot carried under it for warmth.
The early snow brings the usual trade-off. Remote areas are cut off and travel gets harder, but the Valley's water sources and wildlife get much-needed relief. How long the passes stay closed will depend on the next few days of weather and on how quickly roads can be cleared.
With inputs from IANS
