Srinagar: As the Chillai-Kalan—40-day harshest winter period in Kashmir—ended on a freezing note, it put a question mark on the concrete houses that people have built during all these years.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “During the past few years, new constructions have come up everywhere. These are all concrete houses with big windows. This year people have felt the chill and have realized that it’s no easy to live in the concrete houses during harsh winters.”
It’s in place to mention here that houses in Kashmir in earlier times used to have small windows and were mostly wooden. But as the time changed and modernization took place the wood was replaced by cement and bricks. Due to heavy snowfall at many places new designed roofs of the houses also collapsed as these couldn’t withstand the load of the snow.
An architect said, “Things have changed drastically during the past few years. People don’t like small windows and cozy houses. They want bigger rooms with attached bathrooms and big windows. But this year many of us have realized that in winter such homes are not suitable for living as it becomes difficult to fight the freezing temperatures.”
He said, “Many people have started blaming architects for these houses not being able to withstand the sub-zero temperature but the fact is we provide these designs on the demand of our clients. This winter we have learnt an important lesson that small and cozy houses can prove to be more effective in Kashmir. We need to follow the basics like using wood and other material that can keep the homes warm during the winter months in the Valley.”
The architect said, “If winter continues to be the same in coming years then people should think about setting up the fire places in every room so that then remain warm. We cannot turn every room into a hammam.”
Another problem which the people faced during Chillai-Kalan was water pipes getting frozen. For the past many days, water taps are running dry as Kashmir is in deep freeze. “In the recent years, people have started using PVR pipes instead of GI pipes and it has helped but we cannot give any guarantee that the new PVR pipes won’t freeze. In some cases these have worked while at many places these pipes have also frozen,” said an expert.
He said, “If the chill continues to haunt people in winters in coming years also they will have to look for better ways and means to keep their homes warm at least during Chillai-Kalan.”
Kashmir: Concrete houses with big windows turn Chillai-Kalan more severe
