Winter in Kashmir is not merely a season; it is an experience that intertwines nature, culture and resilience. As the snow blankets the Valley, it transforms into a wonderland that narrates tales of endurance and celebration. The onset of winter heralds the beginning of festivities, a time when the chill in the air is warmed by the spirit of community and tradition.
Chillai Kalan: The Heart of Winter
As December progresses, the Valley enters the harshest phase of winter, known as Chillai Kalan. This 40-day period, beginning on December 21 and lasting until January 31, is marked by the highest likelihood of snowfall and the coldest temperatures of the year. This year, Srinagar recorded its coldest December night in three decades at a bone-chilling minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, according to the meteorological department. The intense cold led to the freezing of several water bodies, including parts of the iconic Dal Lake and disrupted water supply lines across the region.
Following Chillai Kalan, the winter’s intensity gradually wanes with two additional periods: Chillai Khurd (20 days of small cold) and Chillai Bachha (10 days of baby cold)
The minimum temperatures across the Valley have plunged well below freezing, turning Kashmir into a magical winter wonderland. The snow-covered landscapes, shimmering under the pale winter sun, offer a stark yet captivating beauty that attracts visitors and photographers alike.
Chillai Kalan: Kashmir’s Harsh Winter Period
Amidst the biting cold, the locals find reasons to celebrate. The festival of Shishur is an ode to the beauty and spirit of winter. It is not just a ritual but an expression of gratitude for the season’s offerings. Shishur exemplifies the resilience of the Kashmiri people, who find joy and purpose even in the harshest conditions. This celebration serves as a reminder that winter is not merely endured but embraced.
Following Chillai Kalan, the winter’s intensity gradually wanes with two additional periods: Chillai Khurd (20 days of small cold) and Chillai Bachha (10 days of baby cold). These phases, though less severe, continue to hold the Valley in winter’s embrace, extending the season’s narrative of endurance and transformation.
As the season of Chillai Kalan concludes, the Valley begins its subtle transition toward spring. The snow, which once carpeted the land in pristine white, starts to melt, revealing the emerging hues of renewal. The warmth of the sun pierces through the icy veil, bringing life back to the frozen fields and rooftops.
Our Beloved Kangri
The kangri, a traditional portable firepot that warms the people during the harshest days, is set aside, but its essence lingers. It carries the warmth of shared stories and moments of camaraderie, a testament to the bonds forged during the coldest nights.
Winter in Kashmir transcends the tangible, becoming a living tale of resilience and beauty. The festival of Shishur, along with the chilling spell of Chillai Kalan, embody the spirit of a people who thrive amidst adversity. The stories of Yemberzal, the first bloom of spring, echo in the corridors of memory as a symbol of hope and anticipation.
Power Woes in Kashmir
A Winter of Discontent
Jammu and Kashmir, often lauded for its abundant water resources and hydroelectric potential, continues to grapple with a severe power crisis that seems to peak during the harsh winter months. Despite being an early adopter of electrification in the pre-independence era, the region’s power infrastructure has failed to keep pace with modern demands, plunging its residents into prolonged darkness and despair.
The history of power generation in Jammu and Kashmir dates to 1905, when Maharaja Hari Singh established the Mohra Power Plant, marking a pioneering step in the region’s electrification journey. However, more than a century later, the Union Territory (UT) remains far from self-reliance in power generation. Several factors contribute to this crisis, including the Indus Water Treaty, which limits the exploitation of river resources, project delays, financial mismanagement, outdated infrastructure and rampant corruption.
The Deepening Crisis
The power demand in Jammu and Kashmir grows annually by 5% to 7%, yet the share of electricity the UT receives from newly established hydroelectric projects is a mere 2%, rising to only 10% to 12% over time. This inadequacy is exacerbated by a disparity between peak demand and supply.
An alarming percentage of the power supply is lost due to inefficiencies, including theft and billing discrepancies, leaving the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL) incapable of purchasing sufficient electricity from the National Grid. Although the Government of India (GOI) provides subsidies amounting to thousands of crores, these measures have proven insufficient to prevent outages.
Unscheduled Cuts, Extreme Voltage Fluctuations
Winter brings additional challenges as river flows decrease, leading to reduced hydroelectric output. The outdated and under-maintained grid stations and substations further compound the crisis, with many operating without full-time leadership or adequate staffing. These systemic shortcomings lead to overloaded transformers, frequent unscheduled cuts and extreme voltage fluctuations, damaging household appliances and worsening public frustration.
For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, reliable electricity is not just a basic necessity but a vital lifeline for progress and prosperity
According to the Central Electricity Authority, Jammu and Kashmir’s total installed electricity capacity was reported at 1,575.170 MW in October 2024, the highest recorded to date. This marks a significant increase from the 495.630 MW reported in May 2005. While these numbers reflect progress, they fail to address the region’s soaring demand and systemic inefficiencies.
Fragility Of Region’s Power Infrastructure
The current phase of the harshest winter in decades has exposed the fragility of the region’s power infrastructure. The crisis has reached such an alarming state that Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, tweeted:
“In light of the severe cold spell in the Kashmir valley & the resultant difficulties with water & electricity supply, I have decided to cancel my forthcoming programmes in Jammu & station myself in Srinagar for the next week to personally monitor the functioning of the Power department & other important departments.
I do appreciate that cancelling my programmes in Jammu will cause some inconvenience to the organisers & I regret the same. However, under the circumstances, this is the right thing to do & I will make it up to the people/organisations whose programmes have been affected.
I’m on my way back from Jaisalmer as I type and will be back in Srinagar tomorrow morning.”
His decision underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for immediate intervention.
Root Causes, Consequences
The AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses in Jammu and Kashmir stand far above the national average. The low metering rates, inefficiencies in billing and collusion in power theft aggravate the situation. Repeated replacements of analog, digital and smart meters have failed to achieve 100% metering while transformers remain overloaded and accurate consumption data is lacking.
The repercussions of the power crisis are profound. Industries face frequent disruptions, reducing competitiveness and hindering economic growth. The tourism sector, a critical part of the UT’s economy suffers as power outages discourage visitors and disrupt services. Prolonged blackouts impact healthcare, education and daily life, particularly in rural areas. Even during national and religious festivals, extensive power cuts are the norm, tarnishing the region’s image.
A Way Forward
Addressing Kashmir’s power crisis demands a multi-pronged approach:
- Improved Governance: Hold officials accountable for delays, corruption and mismanagement.
- Infrastructure Modernization: Upgrade grid stations, substations and transmission lines to meet increasing demand.
- Enhanced Staffing and Training: Ensure adequate personnel for proper maintenance and operations.
- Address AT&C Losses: Tackle power theft and improve metering and billing efficiency.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Transitioning to a PPP model could improve service delivery and reduce financial burdens.
Need For Urgent, Sustained Efforts
Affluent Kashmiris increasingly rely on generators to meet with the frequent power outages. The middle class and the economically weaker sections have no choice but to live with the way things are.
Kashmir’s winter should be a season of serenity and renewal, not one of darkness and despair. The ongoing power crisis demands urgent and sustained efforts from both the UT and Central Governments. Without bold decisions and effective implementation, the region risks a perpetual cycle of inefficiency and hardship. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, reliable electricity is not just a basic necessity but a vital lifeline for progress and prosperity.
Spontaneous Unity
Protests Against Reservation Policy Sparks Hope for Open Merit Students
A wave of protests erupted outside the residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently as political leaders and hundreds of students gathered to seek a review of the recently introduced reservation policy. This unique and spontaneous demonstration saw representatives from multiple political parties and diverse societal backgrounds coming together to voice their concerns about the implications of the policy on open merit students.
The gathering was spearheaded by National Conference (NC) MP Ruhullah Mehdi, who had earlier called for the protest via a post on X. The students were joined by the opposition leaders, including Waheed Para and Iltija Mufti of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Sheikh Khurshid of the Awami Ittehad Party, marking an extraordinary moment of unity among political adversaries.
In order to ensure that the ruling NC was seen in solidarity with the protests, CM Omar Abdullah’s son stepped outside his residence with the protesters, amplifying the urgency and importance of the cause.
Chief Minister Responds Promptly
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, acknowledging the gravity of the protest, invited the students’ representatives for discussions. The meeting lasted approximately 30 minutes, during which the Chief Minister assured the students that their grievances were being taken seriously. “The sub-committee constituted for reviewing the policy requires six months to complete its work,” a student leader shared after the meeting.
Abdullah later reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue in a post on X, emphasizing, “Peaceful protest is a democratic right, and I would be the last person to deny anyone that right. The issue has not been ignored or swept under the carpet.”
The Controversial Reservation Policy
Introduced earlier this year by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration, the reservation policy has been a source of widespread contention. The policy reduced the reservation percentage for the general category while significantly increasing quotas for reserved categories in jobs and educational admissions. Notably, it approved a 10% reservation for Paharis and three other tribes, bringing the total Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation to 20%, and granted 8% reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Additionally, 15 new castes were added to the OBC list based on recommendations by the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Commission.
The policy’s enactment followed amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005, in March under LG Manoj Sinha’s administration. Despite these changes being aimed at inclusivity, they have triggered significant pushback from students and political figures advocating for open merit opportunities.
Formation of Review Panel
In response to the backlash, the Jammu and Kashmir government recently formed a three-member panel comprising Health Minister Sakina Itoo, Forest Minister Javed Ahmad Rana and Science and Technology Minister Satish Sharma. The committee’s task is to thoroughly review the reservation policy; however, no deadline has been set for their report.
In order to ensure that the ruling NC was seen in solidarity with the protests, CM Omar Abdullah’s son stepped outside his residence with the protesters, amplifying the urgency and importance of the cause
Adding to the complexity, the High Court has intervened, clubbing multiple petitions challenging the policy and demanding a government response within three weeks. Abdullah underscored that his government would respect any judicial rulings on the matter.
The Significance of Addressing the Issue
This protest stands out for its spontaneous and unified nature, with diverse political leaders rallying together under one cause. The issue transcends party lines, resonating deeply with the student community and the broader society. Open merit students fear that the current policy, if left unaddressed, could exacerbate brain drain and compromise the future prospects of the region’s youth.
The onus remains on the government to ensure that a rational, fair, and inclusive policy emerges from this dialogue. For a region already grappling with myriad challenges, addressing the concerns of its aspiring youth is not just a political necessity but a moral imperative.
This protest marks a critical juncture in Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-political landscape, reminding all stakeholders of the need for equitable governance that prioritizes the aspirations of its younger generations.