Chillai-Kalan snow averts drought, draws tourists despite outages
BuzzBytes
Srinagar, January 25, 2026
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday described the fresh snowfall blanketing Jammu and Kashmir as a “blessing” for residents, boosting tourism prospects and replenishing groundwater tables while averting a potential drought-like crisis from scant precipitation.
Speaking to reporters at the snow-clad Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Abdullah highlighted the timely arrival of snow during the harsh 40-day Chillai-Kalan winter period. “This time we had snow in Chillai-Kalan which is a good thing. People (tourists) have started coming here now as they were waiting for snowfall,” he said, noting how the white carpet has already begun drawing adventure seekers to the valley’s slopes.
The CM warned of dire consequences without this precipitation. “If we had not had this snow, we would have faced water scarcity in summer,” he added, underscoring its role in restoring the water table critical for agriculture and drinking needs in the parched summer months. Many parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, witnessed moderate to heavy snowfall on Sunday, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland but also snapping the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and causing widespread disruptions.
Abdullah, who arrived in Gulmarg on Saturday to assess post-snowfall scenarios, expressed satisfaction with restoration efforts by various departments. Power infrastructure bore the brunt, with the electricity distribution system reeling under the onslaught. “Against a peak demand of 1700 MW, we have been able to restore 1500 MW. It will take some time to restore electricity in the far-flung areas which were severely affected by the snowfall,” he informed, directing officials to expedite works.
At the forefront of his Gulmarg visit was kickstarting tourism infrastructure. The CM voiced mild frustration over delays in operationalizing the ski drag lift, a key attraction for visitors. “I was expecting that the drag lift will be operational by now but there are some issues. I have directed the officials to make the lift operational before I go back,” he asserted, signaling swift action to capitalize on the tourist influx.
Shifting to political jabs, Abdullah rebuffed BJP leader Tarun Chugh’s accusations linking the National Conference to demands for Jammu statehood. “They (BJP) have destroyed Ladakh. We have been against separation of Ladakh and we are against separation of Jammu. I can name several leaders (of BJP) and their coterie in Kashmir who raised this issue,” he fired back, clarifying NC’s firm opposition to any bifurcation. He welcomed if ditching Jammu statehood is BJP’s official stance, calling it “good.”
On the controversy swirling around civil judge preliminary exam results—where regional merit disparities fueled allegations—Abdullah urged an end to “politics around religion and region.” “If there is any wrongdoing in the examination, show me the proof and I will get it investigated. Just because one region has done better than the other on the basis of merit should not become an issue. It was this mentality that led to closure of the (SMVDIME) medical college. This should stop,” he said firmly, advocating merit over divisive narratives.
The snowfall’s dual edge—boon for tourism and water security, bane for connectivity and power—mirrors J&K’s winter paradoxes. With Chillai-Kalan underway till January 31, Abdullah’s directives aim to balance relief with revival, setting the stage for a vibrant tourist season amid ongoing UT governance challenges.
