Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir have transformed into winter wonderlands this Christmas, with heavy snowfall across popular tourist destinations like Shimla, Manali, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir. While these snow-covered regions offer breathtaking views and a festive atmosphere for holidaymakers, the severe weather has led to significant disruptions, including road closures and tragic accidents.
In Himachal Pradesh, the fresh snowfall has caused the closure of over 200 roads, including key national highways. Popular tourist spots like Shimla and Manali have been particularly affected, with more than 145 roads in Shimla alone being closed. The closures have also impacted the smooth flow of traffic, as tourists in hundreds of vehicles were stranded near the Atal Tunnel, though they were later rescued safely. Authorities have issued advisories urging travelers to be cautious and avoid driving in snowy conditions. Despite the roadblocks, hotel bookings in Shimla have surged, with occupancy rates jumping to over 70%, thanks to the snowfall.
The state government has mobilized resources to clear the roads, deploying over 260 snow-clearing machines, including snow blowers, to address the situation. However, the adverse weather conditions have led to four fatalities within 24 hours, with several others injured due to vehicles skidding on icy roads.
In Kashmir, the situation is similarly severe. Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of the Valley has caused temperatures to plummet well below freezing, with places like Srinagar recording lows of -6.6°C and Pahalgam experiencing -7.8°C. This drop in temperature has resulted in the freezing of water supply lines, and ice has formed over many water bodies. Kashmir is currently experiencing “Chillai-Kalan,” the coldest period of winter, which started on December 21 and is expected to continue, further dipping temperatures by a few more degrees over the coming days.
While the snow has brought joy to tourists seeking a ‘white Christmas,’ it has also brought significant challenges for local authorities and residents, who are grappling with disrupted infrastructure, power outages, and dangerous road conditions. As the festive season continues, both states remain on high alert as they manage the delicate balance between welcoming visitors and ensuring public safety.
