Winter in Kashmir has officially entered beast mode, plunging the region into a relentless deep freeze. With temperatures nosediving to as low as -24.0°C in Zojila and -10.0°C in Shopian, the season has brought not just frosty mornings but also significant hardships for the people.
In Anantnag, where temperatures hover around -9.9°C, frozen water pipes have disrupted supply in many areas, leaving residents to grapple with one of the most basic needs—water. The biting cold has only compounded the challenges, as dry spells further exacerbate the crisis.
Electricity supply, a perennial issue during winter, has added another layer of distress. Frequent outages have left people struggling to heat their homes and carry on with daily activities. While residents are urged to use electricity judiciously, the administration’s inability to provide reliable power during this harsh season raises serious questions about preparedness and governance.
The dry spell, coupled with frozen water sources, has brought life to a standstill in many parts of the valley. Without adequate water, heating systems fail, and households are forced to innovate or suffer. The need for proactive measures to prevent such disruptions has never been more evident.
Winter is not an unexpected guest in Kashmir; it is an annual visitor that demands meticulous planning and preparation. Authorities must ensure that essential services like electricity and water are not only functional but also resilient in the face of extreme weather. Immediate steps are required to restore disrupted water supplies and stabilize electricity in affected areas.
At the same time, long-term measures like insulating water pipes, upgrading power infrastructure, and stockpiling resources for emergencies need urgent attention. Winter in Kashmir will always be challenging, but the people should not be left to fend for themselves amid avoidable crises.
As residents brave the cold, they deserve more than just the hope of spring. They deserve solutions, accountability, and a system that works—no matter how low the temperature drops.
