Welcome snow ends dry spell

Srinagar: Much to the delight of people, snow and rain lashed Kashmir Valley Wednesday, ending two month long dry spell.

Amir Ali, Coordinator Disaster Management Cell in Kashmir division said that south Kashmir especially Pir Panchal range received highest amount of snow till late in the evening.

As per reports, he said, Shopian district had about 3 inches of snow by 1730 hours.

“Snow clearance was started by Mechanical Engineering department while it was continuously snowing in the southern Kashmir district,” Aamir Ali told.

The upper reaches of Shopian including Hirpura on Mughal road and adjoining areas had considerable snow by the time.

The historical Mughal road has already been closed for any movement till weather improves, he said.

Other areas including Damhal Hanjipora and Yusmarg had 2 inches of snow on the ground while it was still snowing, Aamir Ali said. “Snowfall was also recorded in Qazigund and main Kulgam in the south Kashmir,” he said.

Srinagar— the summer capital of the state, witnessed rains and snow this evening and it was snowing when this report was filed.

Central Kashmir districts—Ganderbal and Budgam, also recorded snowfall and was more visible on the ground in Gund Kangan and Khag.

In north Kashmir, Gulmarg, the world famous ski resort and Gurez in Bandipora district witnessed good amount of snow along with Sadnatop and Tangdhar in frontier Kupwara district.

The plains of Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara also witnessed light rain and snowfall, officials said.

The divisional administration has already sounded preparedness alert as all the snow control rooms have been activated.

The authorities have kept 74 snow clearance machines in a state of preparedness for snow clearance across the valley.

“While 27 machines are kept for Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, 21 would be utilized for Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag in south Kashmir and 26 for northern areas including Baramulla, Kupwara, Gulmarg, Bandipore and Gurez,” Aamir Ali said.

The authorities have also directed not to allow movement of traffic on Sonamarg-Gumri road, Bandipore-Gurez road, Daksum-Kishtwar road, Kupwara-Machil, Keran, Tangdar, and any other road vulnerable from snow point of view. “The roads shall remain closed till the weather improves,” the authorities said. It was in October 22 last when Valley received first but scant snow and rainfall. The present snowfall has also come as a major relief children suffering from cold related diseases.

Highway remains open

When reports last came in, Srinagar-Jammu highway, considered as lifeline for Kashmir valley, was through for traffic.

Farmers welcome

The fresh snowfall and rains were welcomed by the people especially farmer and fruit growers who termed it a boon for them. “Our prayers have been answered by almighty Allah. This snowfall is timely and would be very helpful in future,” said a farmer, Ghulam Mhmamad of Shopian. “It would also replenish the water reservoirs,” he added.

90 airlifted back and froth to Kargil

Authorities on Wednesday airlifted 58 passengers from Jammu to Kargil and 32 passengers from Kargil to Jammu in AN-32 Airforce plane, official spokesman said.