Weather advisory flags highway disruption, avalanche risk till Jan 28

FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Jan 21: Jammu and Kashmir is bracing for a prolonged spell of inclement weather as two Western Disturbances (WDs) are set to affect the Union Territory in quick succession between January 22 and January 28, triggering widespread rainfall and snowfall, with intense activity expected on January 23 and January 27, according to a weather advisory in possession of Kashmir Despatch.
The advisory, issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar, and circulated by the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R), cautions that the back-to-back systems could significantly impact daily life, transport, agriculture and safety, particularly in middle and higher reaches of the region.
Two weather systems, prolonged impact
As per the advisory, the first Western Disturbance will remain active from January 22 to January 24, with peak intensity on January 23, while the second system is expected to affect the region from the night of January 26 to the forenoon of January 28, peaking on January 27. The close succession of the two systems is expected to prolong wet and snowy conditions across large parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Under the influence of these systems, widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall is expected across the Union Territory, while moderate to heavy snowfall at isolated places has been forecast, particularly over the Pir Panjal range, the Chenab Valley of Jammu division, and the middle and higher reaches of South Kashmir.
Areas likely to receive heavy snowfall
According to the advisory accessed by Kashmir Despatch, the first Western Disturbance is most likely to cause heavy rainfall and snowfall over several vulnerable locations, including Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, the Sonamarg–Zojila axis, Bandipora–Razdan Pass, Kupwara–Sadhna Pass, and the districts of Doda, Udhampur, Reasi, Kishtwar and Ramban.
During the second Western Disturbance, similar weather conditions are expected to prevail, with moderate to heavy rain and snowfall again likely over the Pir Panjal range, encompassing the Chenab Valley of Jammu division and middle and higher reaches of South Kashmir, raising concerns over cumulative snowfall and saturation of slopes.
Highways, air traffic may face disruption
The advisory warns that the prevailing weather may lead to disruption of surface and air transport, including the strategically vital Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and other major roads connecting middle and higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. Snow accumulation and reduced visibility may lead to temporary closures of mountain passes and snow-bound roads, particularly during peak snowfall days.
Travellers, tourists and transporters have been advised to plan their movement strictly in accordance with official advisories issued by the Traffic Police and district administrations, and avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather.
Avalanche, landslide threat flagged
The advisory has also flagged a heightened risk of avalanches in snow-bound areas, urging people to avoid venturing into sloppy and avalanche-prone zones. In addition, there is a possibility of landslides, mudslides and gusty winds ranging between 40 and 60 kmph at vulnerable locations, especially along hilly and mountainous terrain.
Farmers asked to suspend activities
Farmers across the region have been advised to temporarily suspend irrigation, fertilizer application and chemical spray activities during the affected period, as precipitation and low temperatures may adversely impact agricultural operations.
Precautionary measures and public advisory
The Disaster Management Department has urged residents to remain alert and follow official weather advisories in letter and spirit. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to higher reaches, keep essential supplies and medicines readily available, and ensure the safety of elderly persons, children and other vulnerable groups.
The advisory further cautions people not to ignore official warnings and to avoid movement on snow-bound or slippery roads.
Emergency services on standby
To ensure public safety, emergency services have been placed on alert. Citizens can seek assistance through the Unified Emergency Helpline (112) or contact the UT Emergency Operations Centre (UTEOC), J&K, which is operational round the clock.
The advisory has been forwarded to all concerned departments with instructions to give it wide publicity through print, electronic and social media, enabling timely preparedness ahead of the approaching spell of severe winter weather across Jammu and Kashmir.

Baramulla, Jan 20: A leopardess along with its cub was rescued from a water tank in Shaldajan Nowshera area of Boniyar during a daylong operation, officials said on Tuesday.

They told that the animals had accidentally fallen into the water storage tank, prompting locals to inform the Wildlife Control Room Boniyar.

A rescue team led by Block Officer Raja Shail Khan, accompanied by personnel from the Wildlife Department and Boniyar Police, reached the spot and safely evacuated the animals after coordinated efforts.

“Both animals were unharmed and shifted to Baramulla headquarters, and were later released back into the wild,” officials added. (GNS)

Characterized by robust top-line growth and better asset quality, our performance underscores our strong fundamentals: MD & CEO

Srinagar, Jan 20: J&K Bank today announced healthy financial results for the October-December quarter (Q3 FY 25-26), with net profit rising by 18.7% Quarter-on-Quarter and 10.4% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 586.73 Cr when compared to Rs 531.51 Cr recorded during the same period last fiscal.

The Bank’s Board of Directors approved the numbers for the quarter and nine-months during a meeting held today at the Bank’s Divisional Office in Jammu.

Meanwhile, the Bank’s net profit for the first nine months of current financial year grew 4.5% YoY to Rs 1565.68 Cr as against Rs 1497.92 Cr recorded for the same period last year, reflecting its sustained growth trajectory.

Operating Highlights

The Bank’s Net Interest Margin (NIM) for the quarter has improved to 3.62%, up by 6 bps QoQ. Cost-to-Income Ratio of the Bank improved to 55.88% YoY for the quarter from 57.28%, while as Return on Assets (RoA) for nine-months stood at 1.23%.

The Bank’s operating metrics reflected steady growth, as the Net Interest Income (NII) witnessed 3.8% growth QoQ to Rs 1488.88 Cr, while the Other Income for the quarter surged 15.3% YoY to Rs 279.46 Cr from Rs 242.32 Cr recorded last financial year. The Bank’s Cost of Deposits also declined to 4.69% QoQ from 4.86%.

Commenting upon operating performance, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, “Despite rate cut, impairment provisioning for Grameen Bank and challenging conditions – particularly the events of April 22, their subsequent impact, and the floods that disrupted the local economy – the Bank remains firmly on track to deliver record profits for the fourth consecutive year.”

“Characterized by robust top-line growth and better asset quality, overall our Q3 performance underscores our strong fundamentals, disciplined execution, and sustained operational efficiency”, MD & CEO added.

Asset Quality

The Bank’s Gross NPA ratio declined YoY to 3.00%, down by 108 basis points (bps) from 4.08%, while as the Net NPA reduced by 26 bps YoY to 0.68% from 0.94% and 8 bps QoQ from 0.76%. The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) for the quarter is above 90% at 90.46%.

In his comments on asset quality, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee remarked, “Even as our core geography has navigated significant challenges extending beyond the banking sector, the Bank’s asset quality has continued to improve steadily. Supported by robust risk management practices, Gross NPAs have declined from around 4 percent to 3.00% percent, which is almost in line with our stated annual guidance.”

“The sustained improvement in asset quality despite such disturbances speaks volumes about the resilience and commitment of borrowers and the underlying robustness of the local economy”, he added.

Business Growth

Maintaining strong business momentum during the third quarter of the current financial year, the Bank recorded a robust YoY growth of 17.3% in gross advances and a healthy YoY growth of 10.6% in deposits. As on December 31, 2025, the Bank’s gross Advances surged to Rs 116248 Cr while total deposits reached Rs 155861 Cr.

Commenting on the business growth, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, “Delivering over 17% year-on-year growth in advances – well ahead of the guidance we had shared with the market – reflects the strength of our franchise, the effectiveness of our credit strategy and the meticulous execution by our teams on the ground. Double-digit growth of deposits in a competitive environment also highlights the trust reposed in the Bank by our customers.”

“The accelerated advances growth was driven by focused expansion in retail, MSME, agriculture and select corporate portfolios, supported by improved credit appetite and strengthened customer engagement across both core and emerging geographies. Our consistent focus on deepening relationships within JKL and beyond, improving product penetration and enhancing service delivery continues to support stable balance-sheet expansion”, he added.

Capital Adequacy

The Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) under Basel III stood at 15%.

Regarding capital position, MD & CEO remarked, “With our CAR at 15% – which will be further augmented by internal accruals on account of net profit for current fiscal – we are well capitalized to expand our lending operations as per our business plan. Moreover, the board approved capital raise of Rs 1250 Cr will boost our capital adequacy and cushion us comfortably to support calibrated business expansion across key sectors.”

“It will enhance our ability to absorb risk, while reinforcing our long-term focus on sustaining asset quality, improving profitability and creating enduring value for our shareholders”, he added.

Key Initiatives

Highlighting the Bank’s key initiatives during the CFY so far, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee remarked, “During these quarters, we remained steadfast in supporting our customers, particularly through initiatives such as the 2025 Rehabilitation Package for disturbance-affected borrowers, which provided extended repayment timelines and additional credit support. This underscores our role as a responsible institution committed to sustaining livelihoods and economic activity in our core operational geographies.”

Terming digital transformation as central to the Bank’s strategy, he further added, “Simultaneously, we accelerated our digital transformation with the launch of several customer-focused innovations to strengthen customer experience, improve security and efficiency, and position the Bank for sustained, technology-led growth.”

On the occasion, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee extended heartfelt gratitude to the customers and stakeholders – especially the promoters – for their unwavering trust and continued support besides entire Bank staff for their steadfast dedication.

TAUSEEF AHMAD
BANDIPORA, Jan 19: Barely months after devastating floods battered large parts of Kashmir in September last year, an unusually dry winter has pushed thousands of fishermen dependent on Wular Lake into a deepening livelihood crisis. Rapidly receding water levels, sharply declining fish stocks, and stalled harvesting of aquatic crops have combined to erode the traditional sources of income for entire villages around Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
For generations, families living along the fringes of Wular Lake have relied almost exclusively on fishing and the extraction of water chestnuts during the winter months. This year, however, the lake’s visibly shrunken expanse tells a grim story. Large stretches that once sustained thriving aquatic life now lie dry or too shallow to support meaningful fishing activity.
Many fishermen say they have been left with no option but to look for daily-wage labour or other temporary work, as the lake—once their lifeline—fails to sustain them.
Mohad Afzal, 45, a resident of Kulhama village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, said the crisis has affected nearly every household in his village.
“Almost 90 per cent of Kulhama’s population depends directly on Wular Lake, either through fishing or collecting water chestnuts. Today, most of them are sitting idle at home because the lake has dried up,” he told Kashmir Despatch.
Recalling better days, Afzal said that just a few years ago, winter months were a period of relative financial stability for fishermen.
“In January, a fisherman could easily earn ₹500 to ₹600 a day because the water level was sufficient. Water chestnuts were easily accessible near the regular banks. Now, the water has receded so much that even reaching the fishing spots is difficult, let alone making a decent catch,” he said, adding that feeding families has become a daily struggle.
Echoing similar concerns, Mohd Ramzana, 42, from Laharwalpora village, said falling water levels have drastically reduced daily catches.
“Every day we go to the lake with hope, and every day we return with little or nothing. The effort is the same, but the lake no longer gives back,” he said.
Ramzana also spoke about dashed hopes linked to the revival of lotus stems, locally known as nadru, an important winter crop and a significant source of income for the local population.
“After years of absence, lotus stems had started reappearing following dredging work carried out by the Wular Conservation and Management Authority. By early 2025, the blooms were widespread, and people believed that our fortunes might finally change,” he said.
However, those hopes were short-lived. Sudden floods in September last year inundated low-lying areas of the lake, submerging the lotus plants before they could mature.
“Nearly half of the crop was destroyed. What could have supported hundreds of families through winter was lost overnight,” locals estimate.
Another resident, Mohd Akbar, pointed out that the crisis cannot be blamed on weather alone.
“Yes, the dry winter has made things worse, but the lake has been suffering for years due to ecological degradation,” he said. “Heavy sedimentation, pollution from upstream waste, untreated sewage, and shrinking water depth have all contributed to the steady decline in fish and aquatic crops.”
Fishermen have urged authorities to take urgent steps to stop pollution from entering the lake, stressing that Wular remains their only dependable source of livelihood.
“If the lake dies, our community dies with it,” Akbar warned.
Environmental experts also link the current situation to broader climatic changes. According to them, prolonged dry conditions and below-normal snowfall this winter have disrupted Wular Lake’s natural recharge cycle, leading to a sharp fall in water levels.
“The lake depends heavily on winter snowfall and seasonal inflows. When these are deficient, the impact becomes visible almost immediately,” an expert said, cautioning that if the dry spell continues, the situation could deteriorate further during the summer months.
For now, as winter advances without snow and the lake continues to recede, uncertainty looms large over Wular’s fishermen—whose empty nets reflect a crisis that is ecological, economic, and deeply human.