Snowfall in Doda Kishtwar

Mountainous areas of Doda and Kishtwar districts of Jammu region nowadays experienced unseasonal snowfall triggering more cold wave conditions.There was snowfall in areas of Kansar, Malani, Katyara, Puneja, Nalthi, Bamlakhi, Thannala, Nagni Mata, Subar, Dhar, Mathala, Sharakhi and Bheja in Bhaderwah belt of mountainous Doda and Kishtwar districts early this morning, officers said.Mountain-locked Bhaderwah, popularly called "Chhota Kashmir", conjointly experienced unseasonal snowfall within the city early this morning, the officers said.Due to the unseasonal snowfall, horticulture, sericulture and agriculture sectors are hit because it is that the flowering season of fruit-bearing trees and different agricultural and sericultural turn out, they said.The cold wave conditions are sweeping within the plains of Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Samba and different areas as daily evening rains became a continuing weather feature throughout the past one week.
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Fresh snow delays Zojila clearance effort

Fresh snowfall on the strategic 434 km-long Srinagar-Leh highway hindered the ‘Zojila clearance effort’ by Beacon Force of Border Roads Organization (BRO). However, chief engineer BRO, Brigadier Tejpal Singh Rawat expects road opening on April 25

 The Zojila pass, at an altitude of 3530 meters experienced over five inches fresh snowfall this morning. The lower reaches like Sonamarg witnessed almost two inches snowfall in the midst of Beacon chief Engineer, Brigadier  Rawat’s  visit in view of felicitation of BRO jawans for their speedy progress of Zojila snow clearance and maintenance process.

 Brigadier Rawat distributed gifts to three civilian Beacon labourers for their dedication regarding the Zojila clearance process.

“The snowfall hindered the progression otherwise it would have been open for traffic in coming two or three days. Nonetheless, I am optimistic that this road will get opened by April, 25, in-view of normal weather conditions,” Rawat said.

 Interestingly, in the midst  early this year. Last year it was thrown open on May 2.

“We have put extra machines in work to speed up the process. Point 102 has been cleared off and in coming two days, Gumri-highest pass will be cleared off too,” Brigadier Rawat added.

 Zojila experiences heavy snowfall which compels the authorities to close down this highway after November every year. With more than 60 dangerous avalanche sites on this road, Beacon boys have to face brave blizzards, extreme wind, chill and very risky situations while clearing this route to connect it with Kargil sector. Notwithstanding such conditions, the jawans of BRO are also assisted by numerous civilians, who work tirelessly to open the pass in a record time.

 In view of the fact that by April end most supplies in Ladakh dwindle to sustainable levels, this opening will prove to be a boon to all Ladakhis. Ladakh remains cut off from the rest of the country from November onwards when all passes connecting it across the Himalayas are blocked by heavy snow.

 The opening would make available to tourists a cheaper and more thrilling land route to explore upper Kashmir and Ladakh.

 Tourists, this time are thronging Sonamarg and waiting to cross over tourist destinations of Kargil and Ladakh.

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Valley receives snowfall

Fresh snowfall occurred in different parts of the Valley while rainfall lashed Kashmir for the third consecutive day today.

 Light to moderate snowfall was experienced at higher reaches of Kashmir including Pir Panjal and Zanskar. No snowfall was recorded in plains areas. Jammu region also received rainfall where weather started improving from today.

 Srinagar recorded  7.4 mm of rainfall, Pahalgam22.8mm, Kupwara 7.5mm, Kokarnag 10.4 mm, Banihak 23.2 mm, Batote 10.4 mm, Katra 2.2 mm and Bhaderwah experienced 8.1 mm of rainfall.

 According to the meteorological department, western disturbances existent  over Jammu and Kashmir are causing rains and snowfall. Weather is likely to improve from tomorrow.

 “We expect weather to improve from tomorrow as western disturbances are weakening, “said, Sonum Lotus director meteorological department Precipitation has also brought dip in the temperatures by 4-5 degree Celsius. Temperatures are also expected to rise from tomorrow. Wet and cold weather forced Valleyites to slip back into the warm outfits. Tourist currently in the Valley could be seen clad in jackets and warmers. “It is really cold here this time. We are not used to this kind of weather,” said Susheel Kumar, a visitor from Bengal.

 Namrita Suri from Mumbai said, “It is a lovely weather, so enjoyable. Such weather only adds to the beauty of this place.” Three days long rainfall has water logged the Valley. Be it the heart of the Srinagar city or  outskirts of the Valley; lanes, roads and by lanes are in puddles of water.  “The drainage system in Kashmir is faulty. The rain brings havoc to the lanes and streets,” said Tariq Ahmad, shopkeeper from Lal Chowk. He said that during rains, puddles of water start collecting near his shop causing trouble. “The customers face a lot of problem in coming to our shop. They have to walk through water,” adds Tariq. A resident of Jawahar Nagar revealed, “Our lanes and roads are water logged with every shower of rain. Government should take steps for it. It is a pain in the neck.”

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Hundreds of vehicles leave for Srinagar from Jammu

Hundreds of vehicles, including those carrying essentials for the Kashmir valley, left Jammu this morning as authorities allowed only one-way traffic on the highway, connecting the Places to Visit in Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.

The one-way traffic on the highway has been continuing since the past two weeks after heavy snowfall triggered landslides and shooting stones, killing 11 people, including four members of a family.

A traffic police spokesman said here today that hundreds of vehicles, including trucks loaded with essentials and passengers, left Jammu and Udhampur this morning for Kashmir.

He said no vehicle was allowed from Srinagar or any other part of the Valley.

This has been decided as a precautionary measure to avoid traffic jam on the highway. Two way traffic will be allowed after receiving green signal from the BRO, traffic and police officials posted at different places on the highway.

The highway remained closed for most period of January and February due to snowfall, avalanches and slippery road condition, resulting in shortage of essentials, particularly cooking gas.

Majority of meat and chicken shops remained closed. However, in

some areas, the butchers and those selling chicken were seen selling their products on higher rates against the government approved rates.

Ladakh region remained cut off from the rest of the state since December 1 last year when Zojila pass was closed for six winter months due to snowfall. The Centre and state government have approved to construct a tunnel at Zojila to make it an all weather road.

Dozens of far-flung and remote villages, including those near the Line of Control (LoC) also remained cut off from their respective district headquarters due to closure of the Sadhna and Razdan passes in north Kashmir.

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Heavy snowfall in Valley

NH blocked, flights disrupted; SASE issues avalanche warning

A woman was killed and her seven family members were injured in house collapse at Rajouri while snow avalanche struck Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Shaitani nallah damaging nine shops with traffic coming to grinding halt on the highway.

A woman was killed while seven members of her family had a narrow escape when a Kutcha house in which they were putting up collapsed due to heavy snowfall and rains in Gundi Khawas area of Rajouri district, this afternoon.

Official sources said that eight members of a family including three children were buried under the debris of a kutcha house, which caved in due to heavy snowfall and rains in Gundi Khawas area of Rajouri district, at 3 PM, today. All of them were sitting in the house when the roof collapsed with big band. Hearing sound, hundreds of villagers rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. Some of them informed Primary Health Center (PHC) Khawas and a team of Medical Assistants headed by Dr Atul Sharma along with necessary medicare kits rushed to the spot.

As soon as the victims were evacuated from the debris, the doctor and para-medical staff provided them treatment on the spot, thus saving their precious lives.

However, one woman identified as Kailash Devi, 25, wife of Mukhtiyar Singh died while her husband Mukhtiyar Singh, son of Sheetal Singh and brother-in-law Chain Singh, mother-in-law Guddo Devi, sister-in-law Kirna Devi and three children Sachin Singh, Bachan Singh and Samiksha all residents of Gundi Khawas were injured.

The injured were later shifted to PHC Khawas where condition of two injured Mukhtiyar Singh and Guddo Devi was said to be critical. The doctors were unable to refer them to District Hospital Rajouri as the area was cut off from the rest of the world due to snowfall.

Reports said that upper reaches of Rajouri and Poonch district experiences heavy snow with rains in plains since yesterday.

Jk News correspondent Banihal Khawaja Sharjeel said that seven shops and two hotels (dhabas) were washed away after a snow avalanche struck the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Shatani nallah area of Banihal, this evening. Three trucks passing-by had a narrow escape while no loss to life has been reported as the owners of all these establishments were already asked to vacate and move to safer areas. The stretch at which the avalanche struck at 4.05 PM is already ‘avalanche prone’ and the authorities have directed the people running shops there to shut down their establishments.

Official sources said that 110 meters long, 25 meters wide and 4 meters high snow avalanche struck at Shatani nallah and damaged all seven shops and 2 hotels. By the quick and prompt action of BECON and DySP Traffic BK Ganju, three trucks, which fled away from Tethar (Banihal) managed to cross the avalanche prone area prior to the incident. These trucks were brought to Nowgam (Banihal).

OC BECON Vohra told KTNS that their men will clear this avalanche with in two to three hours tomorrow morning in case of fair weather condition. In the radius of fifty meters there is threat of two more avalanches which can struck at Shatani Nallah, he added.

Meanwhile, 300-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed due to snowfall on both sides of the Jawahar Tunnel. Almost two-and-a-half feet of snow has accumulated at Jawahar tunnel, one feet at Patnitop and one and half feet at Banihal.

Snow once again disrupted vehicular traffic on the highway from the wee hours at about 1 AM. Due to slippery road conditions, traffic authorities stopped the traffic. They decided to stop vehicular traffic at national highway 1-A at Ramban, Banihal and Qazigund as precautionary measures due to slippery conditions from Shatani nallah (Banihal) to Jawahar tunnel and from Varinag zig to Jawahar tunnel and danger of snow avalanche and shooting stones.It was snowing heavily at Jawahar Tunnel since last night.  As per traffic authorities, 450 vehicles were stranded from Jawahar tunnel to Batote with 24 vehicles including four trucks loaded with Chicken at Jawahar tunnel and 21 at Banihal.

Fifth spell of snow started at 9 PM at Banihal, Patnitop, Batote, Gool and Shangaldan areas. Due to continues snowing 1.6 inches snow accumulated at Banihal, 1 feet at Patnitop, 4 inches at Batote, 2.5 feet at Jawahar Tunnel and Gool, 5 feet at Mahoo, 4.5 feet at Mangit and 6 inches at Ramsu.

Meanwhile, passenger vehicles of Ramban, Doda and trucks were allowed to move towords Ramban and Doda from Kud at about 2:30 PM. No Srinagar based vehicles were allowed to move from Kud. BECON authorities today started removing snow at 6 AM on both sides from Varinag zig to Jawahar tunnel and from Jawahar tunnel to Nowgam, Banihal.

OC BECON Vohra told KTNS that the removal of snow at NH-1A started at 6 AM. “We have cleared snow from Jawahar Tunnel to Khooni nallah and from Jawahir Tunnel to Anantnag. But, due to continues snowfall more snow got accumulated. “If snowfall stopped we will clear national highway with in an hour. We have pressed into service five Bulldozers, two snow cutters, one snow flower and two tippers which are working from Jawahar tunnel to Khooni nallah for clearence of snow and land slides,” he added.

It was snowing at Jawahir tunnel and Banihal till last reports came in.

Jk Newscorrespondent DS AHMAD reported from Srinagar that Kashmir valley on Monday received a fresh snowfall. Met department reports said many areas in North and South Kashmir received light to moderate snowfall while rains lashed the plains across the valley since last evening.

The capital city Srinagar also received few inches of snow. The authorities issued the avalanche warning in many hilly areas of the valley and asked the people living in these areas to refrain from venturing out of their houses. While the hill resort Gulmarg 12 to 18 inches of snow the world famous tourist spot Pahalgam received 15 to 18 inches. DH Pora area of Kulgam district received 9 inches while Kulan received 7 inches of snow.

Kupwara, Kulgam, VailooYusmarg, Charasharief and received 4 to 5 inches of snow while 2 to 3 inches were recorded in Anantnag and Tral. Authorities said that snow clearance operation was started on war footing basis and most of the roads across the valley were restored for traffic.

Following the snowfall, SASE, the divisional disaster management authority issued a medium danger avalanche warning for higher reaches of Banihal, Gulmarg, Chowkibal Tangdar, Keran, Machil and Gurez areas.

“People living in these areas are being advised not to venture out in avalanche prone zones and take precaution,” said a press release issued by the coordinator, Disaster management cell, Amir Ali.

The authorities also closed the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway the only road link connecting valley with rest of the world putting at halt hundreds of heavy and light vehicles along the road at many places.

“The Beacon authorities are putting up their efforts to clear the road and once the road is cleared we will restore the traffic,” he said. Reports said that at least three hundred heavy vehicles including trucks and load carriers are stranded between the Qazigund.

Reports said that air traffic with the Valley, had got affected in the morning, but was restored in the afternoon and all flights operated, except the morning Go-Air flight which got cancelled. The Kargil Courier between Srinagar and Kargil got cancelled, due to bad weather.

Trucks and the taxis were stranded on the highway and hundreds of Kashmir-bound passengers are stranded at the General Bus Stand Jammu due to the blocked highway.

Fresh snowfall in upper reaches

Fresh snowfall occurred in some parts of the valley on Sunday.Snowfall and rain occurred at Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Kupwara and at other higher reaches.  Rainfall was recorded at Srinagar and its adjoining areas. Light rainfall occurred at Srinagar-Jammu national highway as well.

Till this morning Srinagar received 1.1mm of rainfall, Pahalgam 10 cms of snowfall; Kupwara recorded 7.7 mm of rain and snow while Gulmarg received four inches of snowfall.

Precipitation dipped the temperatures by few notches across Kashmir.  Srinagar recorded minimum temperatures of 1.1 degree Celsius, Qazigund  1.0 degrees, Kokernag minus 0.3 while Gulmarg recorded lowest of minus 6.5 degree Celsius.

  Rainfall and snow is predicted for higher reaches and rainfall for plain areas.“At places like Gulmarg, there is a possibility of one foot snow,” said Sonum Lotus, director meteorological department.He said the circulation of western disturbances around the valley is causing rain and snowfall. Weather is likely to improve from 14th February.

“From February 14 it will get better till February 18,” said Sonum. Precipitation has gripped Kashmir in cold again after few warm sunny days. Jammu-Srinagar national highway also remained open for vehicular movement.

Nonetheless, the gloomy weather did not affect Sunday market today. Most shops along Lal Chowk and Residency road also remained open. The rush of customers could also be seen in the market.“Despite it being a cold day today, we did good business. We had put out our stalls early morning,” said Mohammad Hussain, a street vendor, selling shoes.

He said the people from other district also traveling to shop at the Sunday market. “I had to buy some blanket for home. So came here to shop at Sunday market,” said Parveena from Bemina.

Met predicts snowfall Feb 13 14

Kashmir valley is all set to receive fresh bout of snowfall as the Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain and snowfall across Kashmir over the next couple of days.

The department has issued weather advisory saying that some places along the Pir Panjal range are likely to experience heavy snowfall. It has also asked people to exercise maximum restraint while traveling by road and air between Srinagar and Jammu on February 13 and 14.

Director Meteorological Department, Sonam Lotus said that a western disturbance is approaching Jammu and Kashmir on February 12, adding that the influence of the disturbance would remain upto the morning of February 14. He said the western disturbance would affect the weather system in the State and adjoining areas.

Lotus said some places along Pir Panjal range may receive heavy rain/snowfall, adding that light snowfall is also likely at few places in the Ladakh region particularly along Drass, Kargil and Zanskar regions.

"The disturbance in the weather system is likely to disrupt surface and air transport systems of the State. During these days the day temperature will fall by four to five degrees while as the night temperature will rise by two degrees. This system is likely to move in a South-East ward direction of Jammu and Kashmir," said Sonam.

A Met official said here that Srinagar recorded the day temperature of 11 degrees Celsius while as the night temperature was recorded as minus 1.8 degrees Celsius. He said Jammu recorded the maximum temperature of 21.1 degrees Celsius while as the minimum temperature was recorded as 5.2 degrees Celsius.

Kargil was the coldest place in the State with the mercury plummeting to minus 18.1 degrees Celsius during the preceding night. It was closely followed by Leh where the minimum temperature was recorded as minus 16.6 degrees Celsius. In the Kashmir valley, Gulmarg was the coldest place as the minimum temperature was recorded as minus 9.5 degrees Celsius.

The world famous health resort of Pahalgam Hotels recorded the minimum temperature of minus 5.5 degrees Celsius while as Qazigund recorded the minimum temperature of minus five degrees Celsius. Kokernag recorded the minimum temperature of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius while as Kupwara recorded the minimum temperature of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius.

Banihal was the coldest place in the Jammu division with the minimum temperature being recorded as minus 1.8 degrees Celsius. It was closely followed by Bhaderwah that recorded the minimum temperature of minus 1.4 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, after some days of sunshine the weather remained cloudy in Srinagar on Saturday. Although, Sun tried its best to break the shackles from the clouds the sky turned overcast as the day passed on. By evening the whole sky was covered with clouds and this led to the increase in the chill.

Fresh Snowfall in Valley Rains in Plains

An elderly man died due to snow avalanche while grazing cattle near Ledge nallah in Bheemdasa area of Gool in Ramban district, today while traffic on Jammu Srinagar National Highway was stopped this evening after accumulation of one feet snow at Jawahar Tunnel.

KTNS correspondent Khawaja Sharjeel from Banihal said that 75-year-old man died due to snow avalanche while grazing cattle near Ledge nallah in Bheemdasa area of Gool in Ramban district, today.

The deceased has been identified as Abdul Sattar, 75, son of Abdul Samad of Bheemdasa, Gool.The family members informed that he went to graze his goats near the Ledge nallah on February 2.The goats returned to home but he went missing. They started searches in the area and today at about 8 AM, the dead of missing man was found buried in snow avalanche in Ledge nallah, Bheemdasa.

The cops Police station Gool also reached the spot and started investigation. A case has been registered in this regard.

Meanwhile, vehicular traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was stopped this evening after accumulation of one feet snow at Jawahar Tunnel.

Traffic officials said that flow of traffic was stopped as a precautionary measure keeping in view slippery road condition and due accumulation of one feet snow at Jawahar Tunnel. The traffic was stopped at 9.05 PM with nearly hundred heavy vehicles stranded at various places along the highway from Patnitop, officials, said, adding that no vehicle will be allowed to move on the road in the morning tomorrow as a precautionary measure.

It was raining in the low-lying areas of Jammu region with snowfall in upper reaches. The temperature declined with change in weather as predicted by the Met department due to entrance of Western Disturbances KTNS correspondent DS Ahmad from Srinagar reported that even as the authorities claimed that the highway remained open for the one way  vehicular traffic today but the drivers discrediting the officials claims alleged that they were not allowed to move. Officials said that the one-way-traffic from Jammu to Srinagar moved on the road smoothly today.

"The road was open for traffic movement as per the announcement and all the vehicles reached their destinations safe. There is no vehicle stranded on the road," said Inspector General of Traffic, H K Lohia.

However, drivers who had left towards Srinagar from Jammu said that they were not allowed to move beyond Udhampur. "I reached Udhampur at around 1:30 PM but the traffic officials deputed there did not allow us to move ahead. They forced us to move back to Jammu saying that the road has been closed for traffic," said a driver, Abdul Rashid.

He said that the traffic officials even beat up many drivers who tried to move ahead. However, a traffic official  said that only those vehicles were allowed to ply who crossed Udhampur by or before 11 AM.

Meanwhile, the authorities as a precautionary measure in view of the bad weather conditions have decided not to allow any traffic movement on the road in the morning tomorrow. "Keeping in view the slippery road conditions we have decided not to allow any vehicle to ply on the road tomorrow morning. And the decision to reopen the road will be taken as per the weather conditions," IG said.

KTNS correspondent Shabir Ibn Yusuf from Srinagar said that the upper reaches of valley including the tourist resort of Gulmarg today received fresh snowfall, while the night temperature has started to register an increase by several degrees.

According to the officials of Metrological Department (MeT) the snowfall started today afternoon and continued till evening. The areas which received snowfall include Keran, Karnah, Tangdhar, Machil, Sadhna, Razdan passes and villages near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir.

Less than a week ago the MeT office had predicted moderate to heavy snowfall in most parts of the Kashmir Valley between February 3 and 7.

The plains across the valley witnessed moderate rains. The area which witnessed the rains included whole of north Kashmir and Central Kashmir. Srinagar was receiving rains when this report was being filed.

The officials of MeT department added that the night temperatures in most places including Srinagar registered an increase of several degrees and moved above the freezing point for the first time in over a month.

The minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar was 2 degrees Celsius, still four degrees below normal during this part of the season, MET officials said.

Meanwhile Kashmir disaster management cell has issued advisory that there might be avalanches in upper reaches. A statement issued by cell said that on the basis of reports from SASE, the Coordinator, Divisional Disaster Management Authority has issued a Medium danger avalanche warning for higher reaches of snow bound areas of Chowkibal, Tangdhar, Machhil and Keran areas.

“People living in these areas above the height of 8000 feet have been advised not to venture into steep and avalanche prone areas and to avoid movement during snowfall,” said the statement.

Another spell of snowfall likely in Kashmir

Kashmir Valley is expected to witness another spell of snowfall after Sunday afternoon owing to the western disturbances and the temperature may fall again.According to the Met department another system of western disturbances is building and it may start to effect from Sunday afternoon for nearly two days.“We have system building up, which is likely to cause light to moderate snowfall from January 22. Its effect will remain for January 23,” the director Meteorology, Sonum Lotus, told Jk news.

Kashmir has been witnessing harsh winter after a long time. The intermittent heavy snowfall has been affecting the normal life since January 7 while the temperature has also fallen unexpectedly to minus 7.8 degree Celsius after 16 years.

While the snow, snapping all road and air links, left the valley cut-off from the outside world, the people have been facing the worse due to shortage of essential supplies.According to Lotus, the day temperatures are likely to fall again in the coming days.“When the system starts taking effect, the day temperature may fall and the nights may also get colder,” he said.

Meanwhile, much to the relief of the people, the day temperature today was around 5.2 degree Celsius and the minimum temperature of the night was minus 3.5 degree Celsius.

“We are seeing pleasant sunshine after a long time. Even yesterday started with a moderate snowfall in the summer capital. Hope it stays like this for sometime now,” hoped middle Nasir Ahmad of Lal Chowk.With the halt in precipitation, people have begun to move around. The traffic movement on the roads has also improved.

The major relief has, however, come to the vendors who were not able to set stalls during snow.“I did no business for almost a week because it was impossible to move out in that heavy snow,” Shakir, a teenage vendor selling used warm clothes shared, “Now as the snow has stopped I have also started to move out. The snow gave me a tough time.”

The air links to the valley have also been restored completely.According to officials at the Srinagar international airport, flights have been operating on time.“With improvement in weather, the flight operations have normalised. Thousands of passengers fly from here everyday,” the officials said. 

Snow paralyses normal life in Valley

The incessant snowfall for the second consecutive day today continued to paralyse normal life across the Kashmir valley, snapping all road and air links. About 6.8 inch fresh snow was recorded here in the past 24 hours, leaving the summer capital covered in nearly 10 inch blanket of snow in last two days. The maximum snowfall, however, has been recorded at famous tourist destination, Gulmarg, in the north with 3 feet snow, and above one feet snow has been recorded at Banihal, Batote and Bhaderwah areas. Kupwara received 9.6 inch snow. In South Kashmir, Qazigund received most snow, 11.6 inch, since last evening while Pahalgam and Kokernag received 10 and 7.2 inch snow respectively. Snowfall was continuing at many places when the last reports came in.

Despite the precipitation, the sub-zero temperatures persist. The night temperature recorded in Srinagar was minus 2.2 degree Celsius while at noon, it was only minus 0.3 degree Celsius. The challenging weather has paralysed normal life here and elsewhere in the valley. With snow covering most roads, the public movement is largely affected.While the authorities partially cleared the major intra-district and intra-district roads, the vehicular movement remained reduced to inconvenient levels besides the snow-covered link roads limited the utility of the private cars. Consequently, the people were forced to stay indoors.Thin attendance was seen in the government and semi-government offices. The markets wore a cold look throughout the day, and most shops could be seen with shutters down. The Srinagar-Jammu highway is continuously closed for traffic with hundreds of vehicles stranded. “The road is closed. Around 300 trucks are stranded on this side of the highway while some trucks are also stranded near Batote area,” the officials in the traffic control unit here told Jk News. The snow has also snapped the air links to the valley. All flights schedule to operate from Srinagar International airport were cancelled due to poor visibility and continuous snowfall. 

“We have around 25 snow clearance vehicles working round the clock to clear the runway. Although it is cleared, but due to poor visibility and continuous snowfall, flights are not able to operate from here,” the PRO airport said.The snow has created a visible dearth of essential supplies. The mutton, chicken, eggs, vegetables and milk are not readily available to people. “The packed milk is not available in the market since yesterday. I went looking for it for nearly two kilometers, but all in vain. I am now forced to get the powdered milk,” Shakeel Ahmad of Hyderpora said.The government has already called for remedial measures to deal with the acute shortage of the cooking gas. However, the consumers are yet to feel the relief. “For four days I have been looking for the HP gas, but it is no where available. Now we are forced to use the traditional means like firewood for cooking,” Mudasir Ahmad of Anantnag said.

No major let off The meteorological department has predicted snow or rains in the next 24 hours, but the precipitation is likely to decrease. “Moderate rain/snowfall will occur at many places across the state,” the Met department said in the mid-day weather report. It, however, sounded the warning that moderate rain/snow would occur at a few places in Jammu as well as Kashmir regions. Govt constitutes control roomThe government has set up control room for complaints regarding the non-clearance of snow. People have been asked to complaints on telephone numbers: 0194-2470465 (SMC); 0194-2310482 (R&B).

Fresh snowfall lashes hilly areas

With continuous rainfall in plains and snowfall in upper reaches, Jammu region continued to reel under severe cold weather conditions. The people were forced to remain inside their houses both in the plains and hilly areas due to harsh weather conditions. Traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway as well as other roads connecting interiors of majority of the districts remained suspended for third consecutive day, today.

A snow avalance hit the Mahu Mangat area of Banihal, damaging three seasonal houses (Dhoks) completely, while like the valley several remote areas of district Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Kathua remained cut off from rest of the world due to snapping of road connectivity. These areas reportedly are facing acute shortage of food and medicines, as none of the agency managed to reach them. The residents of these areas were not expecting such heavy snowfall and were not prepared to handle any adverse situation.

Meanwhile, Vaishnodevi pilgrimage is going on despite snowfall continuing in and around the cave shrine.Our correspondent Khawaja Sharjeel from Banihal reported that a snow avalanche hit Mahoo Mangit area where 9 feet of snow accumulated with fresh and continuous snowfall today. 6 families of this hamlet migrated to safer areas. Three seasonal houses were damaged in the avalanche at Hargam Mangit with no loss of life. The snowfall continued in the area when reports last came in increasing threat of more avalanches.3 more houses were damaged in different villages of the tehsil.With fresh 4.5 feet snowfall today, 8 feet snow acumulated at Jawahar tunnel, 2.6 feet at Banihal, 3 feet at Pogal Paristan, 5 inches at Ramsu, 5 inches at Batote and 7 inches at Patnitop.

Snow avalanche also hit Shatani Nallah area of Banihal with no loss to life and property, landslide on National Highway at Gangru Ramsu, shooting stones at Panthal (Ramsu) with heavy rains at Ramban and Chanderkot.Banihal, Ramsu and Ramban are facing huge shortage of LPG cylinders and other essential commodities. The locals alleged that LPG outlets are selling gas to the hotel owners at Rs 600 per cylinder against its original rate of Rs 470.

When Tehsidhar Banihal Niyaz Ahmed Wani was contacted, he told that shortage of LPG has already been reported to DDC Ramban.Only one water tanker is supplying drinking water to the towns and surrounding areas of Banihal where roads are clear.16 passengers are stranded at Banihal and they have been accommodated in shelter shed Gund Adalkot Banihal. One of the stranded passengers suffered from heart problem and he was immediately shifted to Emergency Hospital Banihal where he is said to be stable after medicare.

BEACON authorities today cleared snow to make through one way from Banihal to Jawahar Tunnel but due to heavy and continuous snowfall at Banihal, Jawahar Tunnel, traffic was not allowed to ply on the National Highway.Due to continuous snowfall at Banihal, electricity could not be restored regularly. It was learnt that no private or local labour had been working for the restoration of power and only lineman and causal labourers are working round the clock.The district administration claimed to have made adequate arrangements for the stranded passengers at the highway in Ramban district.

Our correspondent Devinder Sharma from Reasi reported that Vaishnodevi pilgrimage is going on despite snowfall continuing in and around the cave shrine.Snowfall is continuing in and around the Mata Vaishnodevi shrine. There is already four to five inches of snowfall triggering extreme cold conditions. The shrine and its adjoining area at Trikuta hills received the season's first snowfall on January 6. Despite the cold condition, pilgrimage is going on smoothly and over 5,000 pilgrims are undertaking yatra to the shrine, official reports said.

Helicopter services for the pilgrims have been suspended in view of the snowfall, reports added.Majority of the areas of Mahore and Gulabgarh have been cut off from rest of the state since last over a week as these are under white cover of snow. The Sarpanches of Gulabgarh, Kandyara, Ransal and Bandhara of Gulabgarh constituency called up KTNS and reported that they are facing acute shortage of ration and medicines as their areas are under the cover of over 9 feet snow since one week.The assistance provided by the administration reached only in two Panchayats i.e. Dewal and Jandiala but at-least dozen other Panchayats were still dry. The people are trying to save their houses by clearing snow from rooftops of their houses.
SSP Reasi Atul Goel, when contacted, said that all links to these areas are closed while the weather conditions are also not improving for airlift of ration and medicines. The army has been requested to assist the population in these remote areas, he added.

DC Reasi Sheetal Nanda said that if the weather improves, ration and other essential commodities will be dispatched on priority to Gulabgarh constituency.Our correspondent Anubhav Misri from Poonch reported that traffic on Jammu-Poonch is through but traffic has been affected on majority of approaching roads due to rains and snowfall. Due to heavy snowfall, alert has been sounded by the army at LoC.Normal life has been thrown out of gear due to continuous snowfall in Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Doda district, Pir Panchal ranges in Poonch and Rajouri districts, besides Bani, Mahore areas in Kathua and Udhampur districts since yesterday.

Meanwhile, mercury dipped in parts of Jammu due to continuous rains. As per official reports, 52.8 mm rainfall has been recorded in Jammu in the last couple of days. The traffic in the city of temples moves at snails pace.

The office goers and students were affected due to heavy rains and thin presence of employees and students was witnessed in the offices and schools.The air and train traffic remain affected throughout the day.Agencies from New Delhi adds:As flights to Srinagar remained cancelled due to bad weather today, Air India has decided to operate two special flights to Jammu and Kashmir capital tomorrow to bring back stranded passengers."Air India will operate two special flights, one at 10.15 AM and another at 1 PM, from Delhi to Srinagar and back tomorrow to bring passengers stranded there as flights were cancelled today due to bad weather there," an Air India spokesperson said.The airlines has asked the passengers to contact its helpline or toll free numbers, visit website or travel agent for details. Air India operates a daily flight to Srinagar.

Snowfall in Kashmir highway closed

Kashmir valley witnessed snowfall today closing the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway that was re-opened for traffic early this week after remaining closed for four days due to heavy snowfall in the Pir Panchal mountains.

The valley was in a thick blanket of snow early in the morning after it starting snow last night across Kashmir valley.

The Director Meteorological office in Srinagar, Sonam Lotus today said that the western disturbance is presently active here will start weakening from Monday evening. "Till then, snowfall will continue with intermittent breaks. The higher reaches may receive heavy snowfall," he added.

The Jammu Srinagar-National Highway where last week snow has affected the movement of the traffic badly was closed in the morning after over night snowfall in Jawhar Tunnel. Around 1.6 feet snow was recorded near the Jawahar Tunnel forcing the closure of highway.

Summer capital of the State, Srinagar received over six inches of snow and the snowfall continued is still continuing.

Gulmarg had received over one foot of fresh snowfall, Pahalgam four inches, Ganderbal town seven inches, Badgam six inches, Bandipora six inches, Baramulla six inches, Shopian four inches and Anantnag town two inches.

Despite, the snowfall the minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at minus 3.5 degrees Celsius; it was minus 6.9 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam and minus 9.6 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg. 

Snow clearance was started early in the morning in Srinagar but after the clearance the roads in Srinagar city have become more slippery as the temperature is still subzero resulting in skidding of vehicles.

Despite the fresh snowfall, electricity supply was not affected in Kashmir. Last week it was due to heavy snowfall in the South of Pir Panchal that resulted in the disruption of the electric supply as the main transmission lines had got snapped.

Met forecasts snow on Sunday

Cold wave to intensify further

With day temperature dipping further, Kashmir continues to freeze in what is seen as one of the harshest winters, presenting the people with lot of difficulties.The valley has been devoid of clear sun shine since the major snowfall on Saturday while the day temperatures have consistently stayed below zero.The maximum temperature recorded at 11 this morning was minus 1.4 degree Celsius, which increased only slightly to minus 0.4 degree Celsius by 2:30 PM. It is far less than the normal temperature of 5 degree Celsius at this time of the year.

The nights are even colder. The minimum temperature recorded during Wednesday night was minus 3.8 degree Celsius, which is less than the 3.3 degree Celsius of the previous night.Round-the-clock minus temperature has frozen the snow on the roads, the water taps, water bodies and almost everything. And, the icicles hanging from the rooftops amidst overcast sky have brought back the memories of the past.“This kind of a winter was common in 1970s and 1980s. That time, snowfall in December or January was usually followed by long freezing temperatures that would prevent the snow from melting till March. And the long and thick icicles hanging from rooftops were symbolizing the winter. Now, it seems the era has returned,” 60-year-old, Habibulah Roshanghar, of Fateh Kadal said.

The hostile conditions are presenting a tough challenge to the people. The movement on slippery roads has become difficult and dangerous especially in the wee hours.Reportedly, the bone and joints hospitals—the valley’s only specialised orthopedic hospital—received more than 160 patients, majority of them with major fractures, in just two days after the snowfall.Fearing injuries, many, mostly elderly, prefer to stay home.“I have honestly not stepped out of the house since Saturday. Outside the room I cannot afford to take my hand out of the pocket for even a moment, and the frozen snow on the roads feels like shiny glass, difficult to walk on,” said Gulzar Ahmad of Batmaloo.The traffic movement on the city roads has also been both scarce and sluggish. This morning, a mini-bus, no JKOID 7966, overturned at Rangerstop near Khanyar in old city while negotiating a slippery curve. The driver and three others received minor injuries in the mishap.The police, however, could not confirm the incident.

HIGHWAY CLOSED

After remaining open yesterday, the Srinagar-Jammu highway has been closed again for the passenger vehicles.The officials in the traffic control unit said only vehicles carrying essential goods were allowed to move from Jammu towards Srinagar.“There are repairs going on at Battery Cheshma and some other place, so the passenger vehicles were not allowed,” an official said.

BANIHAL: Reports from Banihal said that today 400 vehicles including, 250 trucks carrying essential commodities, 121 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and 28 load carrier were allowed to roll from Jammu towards Srinagar. These vehilces crossed the Jawahar tunnel while at-least 1000 trucks were stranded on the other side of tunnel towards Verinag.

The truckers stranded on the other side of Jawahar Tunnel alleged that they were stranded there since last six days and were not allowed to proceed towards Jammu despite clearance of highway.The highway was blockade on Saturday last, due to inclement weather conditions. The traffic problem is getting compounded due to slippery road and avalanche threats at many places.No fresh vehicles carrying passengers or goods were allowed to move both from Jammu & Srinagar and only the stranded vehilces heading towards valley were cleared by the traffic authorities on priority. Meanwhile, power supply in the Upper Banihal area was restored today after seven days of interruption. However, Lower Banihal including town was without power since Friday. 

:As the Kashmir valley is reeling under cold wave conditions for past six days, the Meteorological Department has forecast that the cold and dry weather conditions will intensify for next two days.However, the Director MeT office in Srinagar, Sonam Lotus, said here that another western disturbance on Saturday will result in light to moderate snowfall on Sunday in Kashmir valley.

The snow is expected to give relief to the people who are facing water shortage due to freezing temperatures. The water pipes and taps are frozen for past five days and people in most localities are without water.

The freezing temperatures have frozen the stagnant water bodies and today more parts of the Dal lake were frozen with continuous freezing temperatures.

The minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar was minus 3.8 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature was recorded at minus 0.5 degree Celsius.

The minimum temperature in Pahalgam was minus 12.1 degrees and the maximum was recorded at minus 1.0 degree Celsius.

The gateway to Kashmir, the South Kashmir town of Qazigund recorded minimum temperature of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature of minus 0.9 degree Celsius.

The tourist resort of Kokernag recorded a minimum temperature of minus 9.0 degree Celsius and maximum temperature of minus 2.4 degree Celsius.

The North Kashmir township of Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 0.6 degree Celsius and minimum temperature of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius.

Gulmarg recorded minus 16.4 degree Celsius while Leh minus 10.4 degree Celsius. Kargil was the coldest in the State at minus 18 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained opened for one way traffic today. The trucks with essential commodities were allowed to ply on the highway from Jammu to Srinagar. Over 100 trucks had crossed the tunnel upto this evening.

The Border Roads Organization (BRO) conducted repairs of the highway today at several places and sprinkled salt at several places to tackle with the slippery road.

Meanwhile, a meeting was held at Qazigund in which Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Kifayat Hussain Rizvi and SP Kulgam Masoodul Hassan besides other officers participated. The meeting reviewed the regulation of the traffic on the highway. The representatives from various agencies participated in the meeting. 

other side of snowfall

Every time Kashmir experiences snowfall, it brings with it endless woes ranging from  long power cuts, snapped communication, water shortage, dearth of essential  commodities and much  more. But can there be a comparable of the beauty it bestows on Kashmir valley?

By its softness, shapelessness and indifferent attachment to whatever and where ever it settles, snow transforms the whole Kashmir into a kind of fairyland. It renders uniformity to everything around with its white blanket.

Snow brings strange quiet hush all around. The whole valley is clad in white cover of snow. The lofty mountains surrounding the valley turn white under snow coverlet. The partly frozen water bodies, with shikaras in tow on the banks complement the beauty. White roofed wooden house boats over frozen lakes looks fascinating. There can hardly be seen any movement in the water bodies which would otherwise remain busy with commuters, visitors and fishermen.

“The season of summer and winter give two different looks to Kashmir. Summer is colourful while winter makes Kashmir white land,” said Nida Khan, student.

The outskirts of the valley, including world famous tourist destination of Gulmarg gain stunning look. The snow clad peaks and meadows of Gulmarg provides best ski slopes, besides facilitating ice-skating and other sports.

The beauty of Kashmir during snow has not only attracted thousands of domestic and international tourists but has also provided background to scores of Bollywood films. Visit of Mughal gardens or a simple drive along Boulevard is a real treat during snow.

“Every time it snows, I make a visit to Mughal gardens in Srinagar because they look exotic clad in snow. I love capturing it all in my camera,” says Ehsaan Majeed, a college student.

Snow also adds excitement to the life, and we all become children for a while, away from everything that divides us. Playing with snow or watching silent flakes of snow falling is what most of us like.“Though snow brings many problems for us, I like to involve in snow fights and make snowman. It brings back the memories of childhood,” said Aashiq Hussain, an employee.

He says he spends time with his children playing with snow and making snowman every winter.

“Snow becomes a reason for me to spend time with my children and relive my childhood too,” adds Aashiq.

Snowfall blocks most of infiltration routes on LoC

With snowfall bringing lots of miseries to the resident across Kashmir valley, it has also blocked most of infiltration routes on Line of Control (LoC).However, the army says that they are ready to face any eventuality and guard has not been lowered.General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps Lt Gen S A Hasnain has time and again said that there are apprehensions of infiltration any time as a vacuum has got created due to killing many a militants and their top militant leadership during the 2011 in valley.Army last year was apprehending infiltration from those routes which traditionally receive less snowfall.

 That included Uri sector in north Kashmir district of Baramulla, that SECTOR receives less snowfall than passes in Kupwara, Machil,Gurez and other sectors. “Snow has closed some of the routes,”Public Relations Officer ministry of defence Lt Col JS Barar told News Agency. “The alert troops are ready to meet an eventuality,” he added. However, the senior army officers supervising the LoC in Kupwara and Baramulla said there is beefed up vigil despiteclosing of infiltration routes. Major General Bipin Rawat, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Baramulla based 19 Infantry Davison who looks after LoC in Uri and Nowgam Sectors besides hinter land said that snow has blocked some of the routes in Uri Sector and Nowgam Sector. “Yes some of the routes have got closed due to snowfall, but the guard will not be lowered,” he said and added that now It is very difficult to infiltrate. “Walking on the snow takes more time and when there is heavy snow it is also easy to detect trail of any one on the snow.”Army sources in Kupwara based 28 Infantry Division too said that most of the infiltration routes have got closed due to snowfall however there is need of extra vigil on loC.Here it needs a mention that Corps commander Lt Gen Hasnain during an Awami Mulaqat at Uri had told the reporters that army will not lower their guard even when the infiltration routes are closed due to heavy s

NH reopens for 1 way traffic

After remaining shut for three running days due to the heavy snowfall in the valley the Srinagar-Jammu national highway linking Kashmir with rest of the country was thrown open for one way traffic later afternoon today. The road was closed by the authorities Thursday evening after the heavy snowfall in Jawahar tunnel and other places along the highway.

Chief engineer Beacon, Brigadier, TPS Rawat, addressing a press conference at Jawahar Tunnel today said that they have cleared the road of snow all along and has been thrown open for one way traffic from Jammu to Srinagar.

“We put up all our efforts by pressing into service both our men and the machines to restore traffic on the road. The road had been cleared of snow only yesterday but the shooting stones at Panithal, Sherbibi and Ramsoo had caused damage to a big patch which took us the whole night to repair,” Rawat said.

He said that the road is now clear and has been restored for one way traffic from Jammu to Srinagar this afternoon.

Deputy Inspector General, Traffic, Vijay Kumar, said that after receiving green signal from the Beacon authorities the traffic was restored on the road.

“We not only cleared the Srinagar bound vehicles which had got stranded on the road but allowed the fresh traffic from Jammu. At least 200 vehicles including the supply vehicles have crossed the Jawahar tunnel so far,” DIG said.

He said that if weather remains normal the traffic from Srinagar to Jammu will be allowed tomorrow.

However he ruled out any possibility of the restoration of two way traffic on the road until the Beacon gives the signal for the same.

Timely snowfall useful for agriculture

The timely snowfall in Kashmir valley is seen by agriculture experts and people associated with trade and tourism as very useful. Director agriculture, Farooq Ahmad Lone, said the snowfall in January is a blessing for agriculture production. “This is a timely snowfall. The snow will remain longer in upper reaches and orchards. It will help to maintain sufficient moisture in fields and ultimately help to achieve a bumper crops,” he said.

The director also stated

that some parts of the Kashmir

valley were witnessing

a drought like situation for

the last couple of years.

“Various areas of Kashmir

were witnessing drought

like conditions for the last

couple of season. This will

maintain reasonable water

available in the orchards

and other agriculture fields.”

he said.

Lone maintained that

snowfall in the month of

January has always a

positive impact on production,

“This snowfall usually

remains for longer time. The temperature also falls drastically in December and January. The snowfall helps to maintain a reasonable amount of moisture in the fields. Once it remains for longer time, it will help better production and disease free production also,” he said.

The director agriculture said most encouraging thing for the department was that no reports of loss of orchards have witnessed so far. “Our initial reports indicate that there is no major loss to orchards,.” he said.

He also said there is a lot of difference between snowfall in December and January compared with snowfall in February and March. “The snowfall in December and January remains for longer time. This time, it falls in harsher part of winter (Chillai Kalan). It remains longer time and maintains reasonable moisture in fields. The snowfall in February and March is not much helpful for production as overall temperature increases in these months,” he said.

It is not only agriculture officials, who are jubilant with timely snowfall, the people associated with tourism are also delighted to witness snowfall in January.

“The adventure tourist lovers were eagerly waiting such kind of snowfall. The skiing needs at least few feets of snow. A reasonable snow has fallen in Gulmarg. Which is enough to conduct series of ski related adventure tourism activities,” said an official of tourism department from Gulmarg.

The official also said the snowfall will help to conduct different programmes scheduled by department in this season. “The show festival and other winter related activities are on pipeline for the department. The snowfall will definitely help to conduct these activities and encourage tourists to visit Kashmir in large numbers,” he said. A large number of national and international tourists are likely to arrive in Gulmarg. “The snowfall will not only encourage the tourists to come Gulmarg, it will motivate them to stay longer in Gulmarg. Snow is the identity of winter tourism in Kashmir.,” the official said.

A reasonable number of tourists have already arrived Gulmarg and Srinagar to enjoy natural beauty of Kashmir in winter also. The hoteliers at Gulmarg and Srinagar are expecting that the occupancy in their hotels will double after the snowfall. “The tourists like snowfall. When there is abundance snowfall. They come in large numbers. We are hopeful, there would be 100 percent occupancy in days to come,” the hoteliers believe

Snow paralyses system in kashmir

Four inches of snow have buried the administration…” A day after the first snowfall in Kashmir Valley, it seems the most favourite line of every Kashmiri helplessly braving the bone-chilling weather without electricity and drinking water.
The Valley has been without electricity for two complete days now even as many areas are under acute shortage of the drinking water, exposing the state government’s tall claims
of its preparedness for the winter.
Against the requirement of around
1100 MW electricity, all Kashmir is
getting at present is around 150 MW
from gas turbine, Uri-I and Lower
Jhelum Hydel projects. Of this, as
claimed by government, 25 MW are
supplied to hospitals and the rest
about 120 MW are provided on rotation—
one hour in 24 hours—to
residential areas.
“The government has failed miserably
to manage the crisis. The
snowfall is most expected thing in
winter, yet the government failed to
maintain the power supply in comparatively
less snow. It is disappointing,”
Mushtaq Ahmad Mir of old city,
an enraged common man, said while
talking to Kashmir Times.
“Just a few days ago the chief minister
(Omar Abdullah) claimed that
they have started the gas turbine
that generates 100 MW of electricity,
but today in crisis they say three
projects (including gas turbine) are
generating only around 70 MW. It
shows the government is befooling
us. How are we supposed to survive
in this chill?” he asked.
The authorities claim that the snow
has damaged Kishanpora-Wagoora
and Kishanpora-Pampore transmission
lines, causing halt in the power
supply from the northern grid.
However, without electricity the
public, especially the ailing and the
elderly, has to face acute inconveniences.
“Darkness is more or less manageable,
but we have no means to warm
the water for bathing etc… It is life
threatening situation for the elderly
and the children? But no one seems
bothered,” Mohammad Iqbal Wani
of Rambagh said.
Coincidently, the valley observed
complete shutdown, against power
shortage, on the very day snowfall
occurred. The strike was called by
the Kashmir Economic Alliance
(KEA), amalgam of trade associations,
following the killing of a youth
at Boniyar Uri in CISF firing on
protests-against-electricity-shortage.
While calling for the strike, the
KEA pointed out the surplus power
supply maintained with the same
infrastructure during the tenure of
Mufti Muhammad Syed.
The public seems sharing the
similar views.
“During the time of Mufti Sayeed
we had almost 17 feet snow at many
places closer to the Tunnel, yet he
provided us uninterrupted power
supply. If he could manage it, why
is this government NC-Congress Coalition) helpless?” asked Ghulam Muhammad, a senior citizen from Lal Bazar.
The enraged consumers took to roads at many places.
People came out at Drangbal and Namlebal Pampore people to protest the power shortage. The reports said they also attacked with Kangris a VIP vehicle passing through the area.
The residents of Sumbal Bandipora gathered at protested at press enclave here.
The government, however, is still unsure about the total restoration.
“The repair work is on and we are hopeful that the work Kishanpora-Pampore transmission line will be done by evening. We are hopeful that the power will be partially restored this evening,” head disaster management, Amir Ali, said.
Water shortage worsens situation
Besides electricity, most areas in the Valley have been without proper supply of the drinking water. On the makeshift basis, the most areas are getting drinking water for four hours in the morning and two hours in the evening.
Most old city areas like Nowpora, Khanyar and Habba kadal, and several civil lines areas including city centre Lal Chowk have been without drinking water since last evening.
The reports coming in from many areas in North and South Kashmir said the water supply has been affected for nearly two days.
The shortage of drinking water is forcing the public to utilize the unhygienic water resources.
“We are without water since last morning. We are forced to collect the water from the nearby public tap or the stream,” Mudasir of Kupwara said. The authorities said the halt was due to power shortage.
“We are facing problems at Dood ganga project due to power shortage, so the inconvenience will remain till electricity is restored fully,” Amir, who is also the office on special duty, said.
Highway closed
The Jammu-Srinagar highway was closed for traffic till last reports came due to 550 Feet avalanche at Ramban. The road link is likely to be restored tomorrow.
However, all flights and trains operated on time except the first flight of the morning that faced a delay.

Kashmir experiences seasons first major snowfall

The Kashmir Valley experienced season’s first major snowfall with the white blanket of snow covering all higher reaches and plains, throwing normal life out of gear.
Unconfirmed reports said a man from Bandipora in North Kashmir was killed in the avalanche this morning. Valley continued to remain cut off from outside world by road while the air traffic was resumed in the late afternoon.
The snowfall started late last evening and it continued, intermittently, at many places throughout the day.
According to the figures provide by the meteorological department here, the summer capital witnessed four to five inch snow by 8:30 this morning while a precipitation of 4.0 mm was recorded during the day.
However, the highest snowfall was recorded at Jawahar Tunnel in south Kashmir where the snow was 4.5 feet deep. Among other places in the south, Qazigund and Pahalgam recorded 2.25 feet and two feet snow respectively.
In north, the picturesque Gulmarg recorded five inch snow in past 24 hours while nine  cm snow was recorded at Kupwara.
The unprecedented snowfall was witnessed at Ramban where around four to five feet snow has been recorded in the higher reaches while two feet snow was recorded in the lower areas.
The avalanche at Kudara Sumblar at Bandipora in North Kashmir killed a man this morning. The search operation in the area has been on since morning while the authorities have not confirmed the death yet.
“We have reports that the avalanche has killed one man, but we are yet to confirm it. We will have to wait for the search operation to complete,” head disaster management, Amir Ali, told Kashmir Times.
It is the first major snowfall Kashmir witnessed this winter.
The snow has broken the chill, bringing relief for the common man.
“The snow has at least brought relief from the dry chilly weather that we have been witnessing till date. It definitely is difficult to move out in snow, but the chill is not there,” said Hashim Mir, a businessman at Dalgate.  
The day, however, started with a delay with majority preferring to stay indoors. The government offices, banks, educational institutions saw a low attendance while the traffic movement on the roads was bear minimum till very late in the forenoon. The shops and business establishments also started the day late.
All university examinations scheduled for the day were canceled.
“It was impossible to reach office this morning due to the snow. I left home at 10 in the morning, but it was very difficult to find a bus. So I had to walk all the way to the shop at Batmaloo chowk,” said Meraj-ud-Din a businessman residing at Nowpora.
Due to heavy snow across the Jawahar Tunnel, the Srinagar-Jammu highway has been closed for traffic. Also, the air traffic remained suspended for most part of the day.
“Heavy snowfall has taken place across the Tunnel so the highway has been closed. But the work is on and hopefully the road will be opened shortly,” Amir Ali, who is also the officer on special duty to the divisional commissioner Kashmir, said
“No flight could operate from the Srinagar airport toll 2 PM, but afterwards all flights operated on schedule,” he added.
All inter distrct routes, Amir said, have been cleared “except the Pakharpora-Pulwama road where the work is still on.”
More snow, avalanches likely
According to the met department, more rains and snow are likely to occur at many places within next 24 hours.
The disaster management, however, sounded medium danger avalanche warning for Baramulla, Gurez, Tanghdar, Anatnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kupwara, Machil and both sides of Jawahar Tunnel.
Light off for 2 days
The snowfall, according to Amir Ali, has damaged the Kishanpora-Wagoora power transmission line, rendering the entire valley without electricity for two days.
“The work on the transmission line is on, but it will take at least two days,” Amir said.
He, however, said the 75 MW power has been restored to hospitals on priority.
“We are running a gas turbine and Uri-Wagoora and Lower Jhelum Projects. They collectively supply 75 MW Power, which is being given to the hospitals,” Amir said.

Snowfall in Kashmir good for agriculture

Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir have expressed their joy over the moderate to heavy snowfall in the valley, saying it will provide the required impetus to agriculture in the state.

The valley already has limited water resources for agricultural activities, and most of the time the channels

remain dry.

But with the advent of winter and the snowfall, water bodies in the state would soon replenish providing

much needed boost to agriculture.

"The people who live on the plain areas depend upon agriculture. The snowfall in winters helps us in the months of March and April as the snow melts and the water from the snow helps us to water the fields. We specially depend upon this," said Bashir Ahmed, a farmer.

Agriculture in Kashmir Valley is a major source of income for residents and most of the population depends on this sector.

The residents said that they are optimistic that there would be more rainfall in the valley.