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Kashmir : A fresh round of snowfall swept across Kashmir on Tuesday, bringing visible relief and quiet excitement to residents after a prolonged dry spell in the plains. While higher reaches of the Valley had already received snow last week, the latest weather system ensured that Srinagar and surrounding low-lying areas also experienced winter conditions, restoring a familiar seasonal rhythm to daily life.

Snowfall Returns to the Plains After Prolonged Gap

For much of the winter, Srinagar and nearby plains had remained without snowfall, even as upper regions recorded moderate to heavy accumulation due to a recent Western Disturbance. That pattern shifted overnight as light to moderate snow began falling across the city, continuing intermittently through the day. The change in weather was widely welcomed, particularly by residents who had been concerned about the lack of precipitation during peak winter months.

Meteorological officials noted that while the snowfall intensity in Srinagar was lower than in higher altitudes, its timing was significant. Snowfall in the plains plays an important role in maintaining groundwater levels and supporting the region’s overall winter ecosystem.

Tourist Destinations Turn Into Seasonal Attractions

The latest snowfall has dramatically altered the landscape of Kashmir’s major tourist destinations. Gulmarg in north Kashmir, Sonamarg in central Kashmir, and Pahalgam in south Kashmir were blanketed in fresh snow, reinforcing their reputation as winter tourism hubs. Locals and visitors alike described the scenery as postcard-like, with pine-covered slopes and open meadows transformed into white expanses.

Tourism stakeholders expect the renewed snow cover to boost winter travel, particularly for skiing and other cold-weather activities in Gulmarg. Hotel operators and tour guides reported increased inquiries following the snowfall, viewing the weather as a positive development after a relatively inconsistent winter season.

Electoral Roll Revision Planned After Winter Months

Beyond weather-related developments, preparations are underway for administrative exercises in the region. The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the Union Territories of Jammu and Ladakh is expected to be carried out after the conclusion of winter, tentatively during April and May. Officials are currently awaiting a formal notification from the Election Commission of India.

Chief Electoral Officer of Ladakh, Rahul Sharma, confirmed that while the revision process has already begun in several parts of the country, the schedule for Ladakh has not yet been finalized. According to him, the field-level exercise will commence immediately once the Election Commission issues official dates, allowing electoral authorities to update voter records comprehensively.

Election Authorities Await Formal Schedule

The Special Intensive Revision is considered a detailed process aimed at ensuring accuracy in electoral rolls, including the inclusion of eligible voters and the removal of inaccuracies. Officials indicated that weather conditions play a key role in determining timelines in high-altitude regions such as Ladakh, where winter access remains limited in many areas.

By planning the revision after winter, authorities aim to ensure smoother field operations and wider public participation. The exercise is expected to involve door-to-door verification and coordination with local administration to maintain transparency and accuracy.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Session to Begin February 2

On the legislative front, the Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is scheduled to begin on February 2. The session will open with an address by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and is set to span 27 days. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, will present the National Conference-led government’s second budget on February 6.

The session will be conducted in two phases, aligning with the religious calendar. The first phase will conclude before the start of Ramadan, while the remaining sittings will resume after Eid-ul-Fitr in March and April. Ramadan is expected to begin around February 18 or 19, subject to moon sighting.

Legislative Calendar Split Around Ramadan

The Budget session is scheduled to conclude on April 4, allowing lawmakers time to deliberate on financial proposals and policy priorities for the coming year. Officials said the phased approach ensures continuity in legislative work while respecting religious observances.

Together, the return of winter weather, upcoming electoral preparations, and the start of the Assembly’s Budget session mark an eventful period for Jammu and Kashmir, blending seasonal change with administrative and political activity.