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This year, winter arrived early in the valley, causing Dal Lake to freeze earlier than usual.
The freezing of Dal Lake is closely linked to the region’s harsh winters, a period known as the traditional Chillai KalanThis Persian word, meaning ‘major cold’, runs from December 21 to January 31 – and is known for its biting cold, heavy snowfall and frozen water bodies. It is followed Chillai Khurd (‘small cold’) from 31 January to 19 February and Shout out boy (‘Baby Cold’) From 20 February to 2 March. Chillai Kalan Despite the challenges associated with each stage, this is recognized as the most difficult period.
Many people like Khadija have had to adjust to new challenges as a result of the extreme cold. “In the past, we could rely on our hunter Carrying vegetables, saving cost and effort. Now, we have to bear the daily expense of renting a load carrier. It’s not just about money; It’s about the stress of adapting to these changes every year,” she adds.
For women selling vegetables and fish on the banks of Dal Lake, the challenges go beyond the freezing cold. For long hours – sometimes eight hours during the harsh winter and up to 13 hours on better days – they brave the elements to earn their livelihood. However, restrictions imposed by authorities like LAWDA (Lakes and Waterways Development Authority) and SMC (Srinagar Municipal Corporation) add to their struggle.
Events like the October Marathon, which featured over 1,700 athletes from India and 12 foreign countries, brought further disruption.
“We were not allowed to sell vegetables for 15 days until the marathon was over. Earlier, we sold vegetables on the banks of Dal Lake, but after the smart city project started, we were moved to the opposite side of the road.” says another seller.
The absence of basic amenities like electricity, clean water, toilets and shelter at the workplace makes things more difficult for vendors.
The Government Medical College Srinagar had issued a warning this winter about the increased risks of heart attacks during the winter months, especially due to cold weather and air pollution. The college urged people to stay warm and reduce exposure to cold and air pollution to reduce the chance of a heart attack, especially individuals from high-risk groups.
Street vendors in general – and women vendors in particular – are subject to many health vulnerabilities.
Fatima, a 65-year-old vegetable vendor, has been unable to work for the last 15 days after suffering from fever and chills due to the harsh winter. Their missing presence in the market not only impacts their income but also highlights the fragile condition of those who depend on daily earnings for survival. She has been making a living by selling vegetables for more than three decades.
Then there is 70-year-old woman Khatija Bhatt, who is a living example of resilience and courage. She is the sole breadwinner of her family. After a family tragedy she is left to care for her ailing husband and grandchildren.
(Adil Hussain is a freelance journalist based in Srinagar, Kashmir. His works are published in Tasneem News Agency, TwoCircles, etc. This is an opinion, and the views expressed above are those of the author. The Quint Neither endorses nor is responsible for it.)
