New Year Cold Wave: Heavy Snowfall Grips Kashmir, Chill Intensifies Across North India

The New Year has begun with an intense cold wave as heavy snowfall continues across Jammu and Kashmir, pushing temperatures below zero in several areas. Fresh visuals from Poonch, Dras, Bhaderwah and Baramulla show roads, hills, and villages covered in a thick white blanket of snow. Mughal Road has been closed due to heavy accumulation, with machines deployed to clear routes. While snowfall has disrupted daily life for locals, it has brought cheer to tourists flocking to Kashmir and Dal Lake in Srinagar. Chillai Kalan, the harsh 40-day winter phase, is underway, tightening winter’s grip on the valley. Meanwhile, dry spells in parts of the Himalayas raise concerns over water scarcity and environmental impact.