The local weather office has said a western disturbance is likely to impact Jammu and Kashmir during December 21-22 as the winter period marks its entry in the valley.

Due to this weather system, there is a possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir, and light to moderate rains or snowfall in the plains of the valley, the officials said.

Chillai Kalan begins on December 21.

The chances of snowfall are highest and most frequent, and the temperature drops sharply across the valley during this period that ends on January 30.

So far this winter, the valley has not witnessed any major wet spell. The prevailing dry weather has led to an increase in ailments like cough and the common cold.

Meanwhile, most places in the Kashmir valley continued to experience sub-zero night temperatures, the officials said.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, compared to Monday night’s minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, the officials said.

A thick layer of fog engulfed the city and most other parts of the valley, particularly areas around water bodies, during the early hours.

Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 3 degrees Celsius, while the temperature in Kupwara in north Kashmir settled at minus 2.2 degrees Celsius. Kokernag in south Kashmir registered a minimum of minus 0.1 degrees Celsius.

In Gulmarg, the minimum temperature settled above the freezing point at 1.6 degrees Celsius, the weather office said.

Pahalgam, one of the base camps for the Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, logged a low of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius.

Shopian and Pulwama towns in south Kashmir were the coldest recorded places in Jammu and Kashmir, registering the minimum of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius.

The post Dry spell in Kashmir likely to end by Dec 21 appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

According to a weather update shared by the MeT Srinagar, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy over the next two days, from December 16 to 17, across J&K.

From December 18 to 19, the weather is likely to witness a slight change, resulting in “very light snowfall” at isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir. However, the rest of the valley will generally remain under cloud cover.

Following this change, the MeT said that during December 20 to 21, the Kashmir division will witness “partly to generally cloudy” weather, with the “possibility” of light snowfall over higher reaches. Meanwhile, the plain areas of J&K are likely to experience light rain towards the afternoon.

Moving ahead, cloudy weather is predicted to provide slight respite from the shivering cold from December 22 to 28.

The cloudy conditions are forecast to persist towards the end of the year, from December 29 to 31, coupled with likely light snowfall at the higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir.

An MeT spokesperson cautioned that “shallow to moderate” fog is likely to continue at many places in the Kashmir division and at isolated places in the Jammu division.

He warned that light snowfall, coupled with freezing temperatures over higher reaches, may result in slippery road conditions, especially during the late night of December 20 and the morning of December 21.

Further, he advised travellers and transporters to follow traffic and administrative advisories.

The post Foggy weather to continue in Kashmir: MeT appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Official data released by the District Administration Bandipora reveals that a total of 29,479 visitors, including 26,234 locals and 3,245 non-local tourists, visited Gurez this year, making 2025 a record-breaking season for the valley. For the first time in decades, Gurez has emerged as one of Kashmir’s most vibrant tourist destinations, attracting not only locals but also visitors from across India and abroad.

Only months ago, residents of Gurez were forced to spend nights in underground bunkers due to frequent shelling along the Line of Control. Shops and markets remained closed as fear loomed large. Today, however, the situation has changed drastically. Life is returning to normal and the valley, with its pristine beauty, is now drawing thousands of tourists.

Tourists have been praising the breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and cultural richness of Gurez. Camps along the Kishanganga River and trekking trails have turned the valley into a hub for both adventure enthusiasts and peace seekers.

Visitors have expressed deep admiration for the hospitality of the people. A group of tourists from Gurugram said they were overwhelmed by the affection shown by the locals, describing it as an unforgettable experience. A female tourist from Bangalore, Vashree, termed Gurez as a “hidden paradise” and urged more people, including foreign visitors, to explore its beauty. Another visitor described the valley as “a must-see destination in Kashmir” for its snow-clad peaks, lush meadows, and the pristine Kishanganga River.

Tourists have also appreciated the improved facilities for food and accommodation. Many pledged to return, while encouraging others to visit the valley.

Locals, too, are optimistic. Ajaz Dar, a resident, said the return of peace has given people a chance to earn their livelihood from tourism. “Earlier, we lived in fear and often had to take shelter in bunkers. Now, tourists are coming in large numbers and it has opened new opportunities for us. We only hope this peace continues,” he said.

The people of Gurez now look ahead with cautious optimism, hoping that the fragile calm along the border will endure, allowing the valley to thrive as both a peaceful home for its residents and a thriving destination for travelers. [KNT]

The post Record 29,000 tourists visit Gurez valley in north Kashmir in 2025 appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

An official said, there is currently no flood risk in Jammu and Kashmir, and water level is far below danger mark.

According to the latest gauge readings, the river Jhelum stands at: Sangam (21’/25′) = 1.89 ft; Pampore (4.5/5.0) = (-)0.59 m; Munshi Bagh (18’/21′) = 4.47 ft; Asham (14.0’/16.5) = 3.69 ft.

For tributaries, the data shows: Vishow Nallah at Khudwani (7.75/8.50) = 2.44 m; Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi (5.4/5.7) = (-)0.36 m; Lidder Nallah at Batkoot (1.5/1.65) = 0.17 m; Doodhganga Nallah at Barzulla (3.65/3.8) = 0.60 m; Sindh Nallah at Doderhama (3.65/3.9) = 0.75 m.

Meanwhile, independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng also ruled out any possibility of a major flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

“There is no flood threat in either the Kashmir or Jammu region. Overall rainfall will remain moderate, though a few pockets may witness intense showers capable of triggering flash floods,” Faizan told KNO.

He added cloud formations are currently developing over north Pakistan, where much of the precipitation is expected, though parts of Jammu and Kashmir are also likely to receive considerable rainfall.

“Some models indicate that areas around Bandipora, Ganderbal and Srinagar may experience high-intensity showers by tomorrow morning. Hence, while intense showers or flash floods cannot be completely ruled out, they will remain highly localized,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) issued an advisory to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the prevailing weather conditions.

“In light of recent cloudburst incidents, all Chief Education Officers and Heads of Institutions are directed to implement Standard Operating Procedures to ensure the safety of students and staff,” the advisory reads.

The DSEK has directed schools located near rivers, streams, and lakes to stay on high alert, prepare evacuation plans, monitor water levels, and maintain close coordination with disaster management authorities.

It further warned that any failure to comply with these directions will be treated as a serious lapse, with accountability fixed on the concerned Head of Institution. (KNO)

The post Officials rule out flood threat in J&K appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that tourist data is provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, and the Ministry relies on their figures for assessments.

He said that the number of domestic tourist visits (DTVs) and foreign tourist visits (FTVs) in Jammu and Kashmir has been rising steadily over the past five years, except during the pandemic period. “However, figures for the current year show a decline when compared to the previous year”.

Quoting the data provided by the tourism department, he said, 2.35 crore domestic tourists and 65,452 foreign tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2024. “In the first six months of 2025, the region has received 95.9 lakh domestic tourists and 19,570 foreign tourists”.

He said no study or formal assessment has been conducted to measure the business losses or economic impact caused by the decline in footfall following the attack in Pahalgam.

In response to a query on government measures to restore confidence and promote tourism in the region, the minister listed a number of schemes and initiatives being implemented across the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the ministry provides financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations for development of tourism infrastructure through schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), and Assistance to Central Agencies.

He added promotional campaigns such as ‘Dekho Apna Desh’, ‘Chalo India’, and events like International Tourism Mart and Bharat Parv are used to boost tourism in domestic and international markets.

The minister also said the ministry has launched the Incredible India Content Hub and uses various digital platforms, including social media and its official website, to promote tourism destinations across India.

He also said the government is promoting thematic tourism including wellness, culinary, rural, and eco-tourism, and is focusing on skill development initiatives like the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator and Paryatan Mitra programmes. (KNO)

The post Tourist footfall dipped in J&K post Pahalgam attack, no economic assessment impact done yet: Centre appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Officials of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) said the ‘Chhari Sthapana’ ceremony was held at the Shri Amareshwar Temple inside the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar yesterday.

Officials said the ‘Chhari Pujan’ will be celebrated on August 29 on ‘Nag Pachami’ at the same temple in Srinagar while the final journey of the Chhari Mubarak will start on August 4 towards the holy cave shrine.

“A fresh batch of 1,635 pilgrims left Jammu in two escorted convoys today. First convoy of 17 vehicles carrying 374 Yatris left at 3.25 A.M. for the Baltal base camp while the second convoy of 42 vehicles carrying 1,261 Yatris left at 4 A.M. for the Pahalgam base camp”, officials said.

Lord Shiva’s holy mace, the ‘Chhari Mubarak’, is traditionally housed inside the Amareshwar Temple at the Dashnami Akhara Building in the Budshah Chowk area of Srinagar city.

It is the journey of the Chhari Mubarak that determines the landmarks of the Amarnath Yatra.

It will start its final journey towards the cave shrine from the Amareshwar temple in Srinagar on August 4 and will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.

During its journey from its seat to the holy cave shrine, traditional Puja will be held en route at Pampore, Bijbehara, Mattan and Pahalgam before the Chhari Mubarak arrives at its final destination, the holy cave shrine.

Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police.

The Army has deployed over 8,000 special commandos to secure the passage of the pilgrims this year.

The Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot.

This trek takes a pilgrim four days to get to the cave shrine. And, those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after having darshan.

No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The post Amarnath Yatra crosses mark of 3.77 Lakh pilgrims in 25 days appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Officials added that the number of Yatris performing the Shri Amarnath ji Yatra during the last 21 days since it started on July 3, has crossed the expected figure of 3.50 lakh.

“Another batch of 2,896 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on Friday in two escorted convoys for the two base camps.”

“First escorted convoy of 42 vehicles carrying 790 Yatris left at 3:30 a.m. for Baltal base camp while the second convoy of 75 vehicles carrying 2,106 Yatris left at 4:18 a.m. for Pahalgam base camp,” officials said.

‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was taken to the historic Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar for customary Puja on Thursday by a group of Sadhus led by Mahant Deependra Giri.

The Puja at Shankaracharya Temple is held each year on the occasion of ‘Haryali-Amavasya’ (Shravan Amavasya) as per the age-old customs.

On Friday, the Chhari Mubarak will be taken to the ‘Sharika Bhawani’ Temple atop the Hari Parvat hillock in Srinagar for customary Puja.

Chhari Mubarak will start its final journey towards the cave shrine from Dashnami Akhara temple in Srinagar on August 4 and will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.

Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

Additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police.

The Army has deployed more than 8,000 special commandos to secure the passage of the pilgrims this year.

The Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Devotees approach the holy cave shrine situated 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to get to the cave shrine.

Those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after having darshan.

No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The post Over 3.52 lakh perform Amarnath Yatra in 21 days appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Officials said that since the Yatra started on July 3, so far over 1.82 lakh pilgrims had ‘darshan’ inside the holy cave shrine.

“We expect the figure to cross two lakh today as the Yatra is proceeding smoothly and peacefully. Another batch of 7,049 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. First escorted convoy of 138 vehicles carrying 2,891 Yatris left at 3.30 a.m. for Baltal base camp, while the second escorted convoy of 148 vehicles carrying 4,158 Yatris left at 4.20 a.m. for Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp,” officials said.

Bhumi Pujan of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was performed at Pahalgam on Thursday. The Chhari Mubarak was taken to Pahalgam by a group of sadhus led by the sole custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam.

In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was held. The Chhari Mubarak will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, when the Yatra will officially conclude.

Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them on the basis of faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police.

The Army has rolled out ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, deploying more than 8,500 troops alongside advanced surveillance and combat technology. The Army said that a large-scale operation, launched in coordination with the civil administration and CAPFs, is designed to provide a multi-layered security grid along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.

The Army said that as part of the extensive deployment, a dedicated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) grid featuring over 50 C-UAS and EW (Electronic Warfare) systems has been positioned to counter drone-based threats.

“Live surveillance via UAVs (drones) and PTZ camera feeds is actively monitoring yatra convoys and the holy cave. Engineer task forces have been mobilised for infrastructure tasks like bridge laying, track widening, and landslide mitigation. The operation also includes over 150 doctors and paramedics, two Advanced Dressing Stations, nine Medical Aid Posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths backed by 2 lakh litres of oxygen, adding that Signal companies, EME technical detachments, and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads have also been deployed,” the Army said.

All the transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by the security forces.

This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to reach the cave shrine. And, those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra.

No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. The Amarnath Yatra is one of the holiest religious pilgrimages for Hindu devotees, as legend says Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this cave.

The post Over 1.82 lakh perform Amarnath Yatra in 10 days appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Police and central paramilitary forces were deployed in strength at all entry points leading to Srinagar city as there were apprehensions of law-and-order problems on the occasion of Martyrs Day.

Only vehicles of officials and security forces were allowed to cross the barricades set up at the entry points, officials said.

National Conference (NC) had applied to the District Magistrate Srinagar, seeking permission to pay homage to the martyrs of July 13, 1931.

However, the district administration refused to grant permission.

“The District Administration Srinagar has denied permission to all applicants intending to proceed towards Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta on July 13, 2025 (Sunday),” the Srinagar Police said in a public advisory posted on X.

The police said that the public is advised to comply with these instructions and refrain from violating the orders issued by the district administration.

“Any violation of these orders shall invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law,” the police warned.

The NC termed the denial of permission “deeply unfortunate.” NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said that July 13 is not a routine date.

“It is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dignity, justice, and rights,” Sadiq said on X.

Sadiq further said the people of Kashmir will continue to “honour their martyrs” peacefully, with dignity, and with unwavering resolve.

July 13 used to be a public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir before the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union territories in August 2019. However, the administration dropped the day from the list of gazetted holidays in 2020.

On the day, mainstream political leaders used to visit the “martyrs’ graveyard” to pay homage to the Kashmiris who fell to the bullets of the Dogra army while protesting against the rule of the Maharaja.

Meanwhile, Sadiq in a fresh post on X claimed that several party leaders have been placed under house arrest.

“Since last night, I like many of my colleagues, including the party leadership at Gupkar, the Advisor to the Chief Minister, and a majority of sitting MLAs have been locked inside my home,” he said.

He said this is not just unfortunate but a deliberate attempt to suppress remembrance and deny the right to honour the martyrs of July 13.

“Such actions are not only unnecessary they are unjustified, deeply insensitive, and reveal a troubling disregard for history,” he added.

The post J&K: Authorities seal roads leading to martyrs’ graveyard, NC says leaders put under house arrest appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Officials said that since the Yatra started on July 3, so far over 1.45 lakh pilgrims had ‘darshan’ inside the holy cave shrine. “Another batch of 6,482 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. First escorted convoy of 107 vehicles carrying 2,353 Yatris left at 3.20 a.m. for Baltal base camp, while the second escorted convoy of 161 vehicles carrying 4,129 Yatris left at 4.04 a.m. for Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp,” officials said.

Bhumi Pujan of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was performed at Pahalgam on Thursday.

The Chhari Mubarak was taken to Pahalgam by a group of Sadhus led by the sole custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam.

In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was held. Later, it was taken to the Martand Sun temple, where Puja was held, and the Chhari Mubarak had a dip in the holy spring at the Martand Sun Temple.

The Charri Mubarak will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, when the Yatra will officially conclude.

In addition to the number of Yatris coming to the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, many Yatris are reporting directly at Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) for on-spot registration to join the Yatra.

Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them on the basis of faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

An additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police.

All the transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by the security forces.

This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to reach the cave shrine. And, those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra. No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. Shri Amarnath ji Yatra is one of the holiest religious pilgrimages for the Hindu devotees, as legend says Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this cave.

The post Amarnath Yatra: Over 1.45 lakh devotees have ‘darshan’ in eight days appeared first on Greater Kashmir.