Tourists Rescued Amid Kullu Chaos
Himachal Pradesh faced a weather crisis as heavy rain and snowfall led to the rescue of over 5,000 stranded tourists in Kullu. Simultaneously, Srinagar experienced its first snowfall of the season, blanketing the city in icy splendor but creating significant disruptions, including the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
The sudden weather change turned Kullu’s scenic charm into a scene of chaos. Torrential rains triggered landslides and roadblocks, leaving thousands of tourists stuck. Local authorities, aided by rescue teams, worked tirelessly to evacuate people to safer locations. Questions arise, however, on why preemptive measures weren't implemented given the forecast.
In Kashmir, snowfall—welcomed by many as a harbinger of winter tourism—brought travel nightmares instead. With highways shut and connectivity hampered, the beauty of the season’s first snow turned bittersweet for residents and visitors alike. Experts argue that despite prior warnings, authorities fell short in preparing for the weather’s wrath.
This situation highlights the pressing need for improved disaster management strategies. The picturesque hills and valleys, while attracting tourists, demand infrastructural readiness to handle nature’s unpredictability. Was this just a seasonal inconvenience, or a wake-up call for better governance?
As rescue operations conclude, and stranded tourists breathe a sigh of relief, the larger question remains: How long can Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir rely on reactionary measures, instead of proactive planning, to manage extreme weather events?
