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KCCI expresses concern over inadequate snowfall preparedness in Kashmir

28 December 2024

Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has expressed deep concern over the government’s inadequate preparedness to handle the recent snowfall, which has significantly disrupted daily life across various districts of the Kashmir valley.

Despite prior warnings of a major snowfall beginning on Friday, KCCI noted with dismay that key roads remained unattended, with minimal deployment of personnel and snow-clearing machinery by district authorities, municipalities, and local bodies. This lack of preparedness left residents and visitors struggling to cope with the challenges posed by a moderate snowfall event.

“The situation was particularly alarming on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, where reports of passengers stranded due to blocked roads emerged. Tourists traveling to popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Dodhpathri were left stranded. While many tourists were rescued, the ordeal highlighted significant gaps in emergency response”, KCCI said.

In a heartwarming display of compassion and hospitality, locals in Gund Kangan opened their homes to stranded tourists, while community centers and masjids also provided shelter. Hoteliers in several areas accommodated tourists on a complimentary basis, showcasing Kashmir’s ethos of care and hospitality. However, such incidents raise serious questions about the administration’s readiness to manage situations that are expected during Kashmir’s winter, KCCI remarked.

The KCCI emphasized that in a region where snowfall, including heavy snowfall, is a regular winter occurrence, the preparedness of government departments and officials should reflect a “Quick Response” approach to minimize disruptions. Unfortunately, power outages, snow-covered roads, and uncleared inner streets revealed significant gaps in winter management protocols.

The Chamber has called for the immediate restoration of power supply on a war footing across the valley. It also highlighted the significant impact of the situation on vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, sick, and children, as well as on students, businesses, and health services.

The KCCI expressed concern over the impact on Kashmir’s tourism sector, particularly as stranded tourists had to endure severe difficulties. Such incidents can harm the region’s reputation as a premier winter tourism destination, undermining the government’s and stakeholders’ efforts to promote Kashmir as a must-visit location for winter travelers.

KCCI said its President has been in constant touch with the Divisional Commissioner and other senior officials of the administration to facilitate relief measures and ensure a coordinated response to the crisis. The Chamber appreciated the tireless efforts of the travel and hospitality sector, which maintained seamless communication with authorities to ease the difficulties faced by stranded tourists.

The Chamber has urged the government to:

Implement immediate measures to restore normal services, including power supply and road clearance.
Ensure the rapid deployment of personnel and machinery during snowfall.
Develop a robust winter preparedness strategy with proactive response mechanisms to manage weather-related challenges effectively.