People in Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir woke to a snowy wonderland on Saturday, as it received the first snowfall of the winter season on Saturday. The ski resort saw a light layer of snow aside from which a light layer of snowfall was reported in Sonamarg and Sinthan Top, whereas the plains experienced rain. 

VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir: Ski-resort Gulmarg receives first snowfall of the winter season.#Gulmarg #snowfall pic.twitter.com/JzNdVEDIJ9

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 16, 2024

India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the temperature in Gulmarg is 0.6 degrees Celsius. 

Jammu and Kashmir: Gulmarg witnessed the season’s first snowfall, marking the arrival of winter. While the plains experienced rain, tourists enjoyed skiing and sledging in the snow. Light snowfall was also reported in Sonamarg and Sinthan Top pic.twitter.com/qWikt5ge6C

— IANS (@ians_india) November 16, 2024

According to a PTI report, the upper areas of Kashmir had witnessed light snowfall on Friday, whereas some places in the plains received light rainfall. As per the report, Razdan Top, which connects Bandipora with the frontier Gurez sector, was covered with a thin layer of snow, resulting in the temporary closure of the pass for traffic.

Morning 🌧️#Gulmarg #snowfall #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/dZrXBwNtck

— Farhat Naik (@Farhat_naik_) November 16, 2024

Razdan Top and some other areas in the higher reaches of the Valley experienced fresh snowfall on Friday morning. 

On Friday, the meteorological department had said that weather was likely to remain generally cloudy with a possibility of rain or snow at most places in the higher reaches of Kashmir and parts of Jammu till Saturday. From November 17-23, the weather will remain generally dry, and on November 24, there are chances of light rain or light snow in the higher reaches at isolated places, the Met office said, as per PTI. 

Earlier this week, Srinagar had started preparing for the season expecting an increase in tourist footfall. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla convened a meeting that brought together representatives from various line departments to review and strengthen winter preparedness in Gulmarg, with a focus on infrastructure, safety, and essential services to ensure a seamless winter experience for all.

The key issues discussed were snow clearance and road connectivity. Line departments outlined strategies to keep the Tangmarg-Gulmarg route clear and accessible, even in the event of heavy snowfall. As well as ensuring reliable power and water supply throughout the winter season, the Power Development Department (PDD) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) departments shared their action plans, according to IANS.