Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, January 19, 2026:
The Kishtwar Administration has issued a detailed weather advisory for the general public in view of the weather forecast and alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meteorological Centre Rambagh, Srinagar.
As per the IMD forecast, District Kishtwar is likely to witness widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall, with chances of heavy to very heavy snowfall in higher reaches and moderate snowfall in mid-altitude areas during January 22 to 24, 2026 (intense spell) and again from January 26 night to January 28 forenoon, 2026 (moderate spell).
In the interest of public safety, people have been advised to avoid venturing near snow-bound slopes, avalanche-prone areas, steep inclines, nallahs, riverbanks, and waterlogged or ice-covered stretches. The public has also been advised to keep emergency supplies ready, including warm clothing, food, drinking water, essential medicines, power backup and mobile charging arrangements.
Residents have been asked to remain vigilant to sudden weather deterioration, reduced visibility and freezing conditions, and to avoid unnecessary travel, especially towards higher reaches and remote areas. Those undertaking unavoidable travel have been advised to carry adequate winter gear, vehicle chains and emergency provisions.
People living in snow-prone and landslide-vulnerable areas have been advised to identify safer locations and relocate if required in consultation with local authorities. Livestock owners have been advised to keep animals properly sheltered and ensure adequate fodder and drinking water arrangements.
Meanwhile, all concerned departments including Revenue, PWD (R&B), PMGSY, Mechanical Engineering, Jal Shakti (PHE), JPDCL, Health and Medical, Irrigation and Flood Control, NHIDCL, BRO, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services and Police have been directed to remain on high alert. Field staff have been instructed to remain stationed at their respective headquarters with men and machinery in a state of readiness.
The PWD, PMGSY, BRO and NHIDCL have been directed to ensure prompt snow clearance on priority routes, particularly roads connecting hospitals, district headquarters, sub-divisions and tehsil headquarters. Departments concerned with electricity and water supply have been directed to take pre-emptive measures to minimize disruption, while health authorities have been asked to keep medical facilities fully functional.
The District Control Room at DC Office Kishtwar will remain operational round the clock for emergency response and assistance. In case of any emergency, the public can contact District Control Room at 9484217492 or 01995-259555, Police Control Room at 9906154100, or dial ERSS number 112.
All Tehsildars have been directed to immediately report any loss of life, injury, livestock casualty, property damage, road blockage or power and water disruption due to prevailing weather conditions.
The advisory has been issued by Pankaj Kumar Sharma, JKAS, District Magistrate and Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kishtwar, dated January 19, 2026.
The similar advisory is also applicable to people living in adjoining districts including Anantnag and Doda, as well as Pangi Sub-Division of Himachal Pradesh, as these areas share boundaries with District Kishtwar. Residents of these areas have also been urged to strictly follow the advisory in letter and spirit.
