Weather department predicts fresh snowfall in J&K, airfares to state skyrocket 

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is getting ready for another spell of rain and snowfall after remaining dry for only some days. The harsh winter period called ‘Chilai Kalan’ has come to an end in the valley. 

This winter season, the state witnessed more snowfall than usual. Also, early snowfall in the month of November caused damage to apple farms in particular. 

“A fresh spell of rain and snowfall is expected from today up to 8th (Feb) morning. The system will move forward from North West to South East of J&K. Again, Pir Panjal range from Bhaderwah to Baramulla will receive heavy rain, snow between 6th to 7th February,” said a Metrological Department official. 

16 lives have already been lost due to avalanches in different parts of the state, besides the reports of damage to various properties. 

The district administration has issued avalanche warnings for nine avalanche-prone districts. 

Due to bad weather, the highway connecting Kashmir to the rest of the world has remained shut for days, causing inconvenience to commuters. The airfares to the state have already skyrocketed due to the closure of the highway. 

On Sunday, J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik made an appeal to Prime Minister Modi to look into the issue of high airfare.

“In winter, airlines charge as much as 28,000 rupees for a ticket, similar to that of a return ticket to Dubai. I request you to look into the issue,” Malik told Modi.