Srinagar: Kashmir on Wednesday received fresh snowfall, bringing an end to dry spell even as night temperatures rose considerably across the Valley.
A meteorological department official told INS that it was still snowing in various places in Valley and by 8:30 hours this morning, Gulmarg received 10 inches (25-cm) snow, Pahalgam had one inch, Qazigund 1.7mm, Kupwara received 7.4mm while traces of snow was recorded in this summer capital of the state.
Quoting officials, INS correspondent from Bandipora reported that there has been 8-10 inches of snowfall in the north Kashmir district. The Gurez road also remained closed. Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said that three machines have been deployed for clearance of the road.
The winter this season had been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the Valley in first and second weeks of November.
There was, however, some respite from the intense cold as the minimum temperature rose considerably owing to overcast conditions, with Srinagar recording a low of 0.0 degrees Celsius, 4.2 rise from minus the previous night.
The ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.0 degrees Celsius and it was minus 0.5 degrees Celsius against previous nights minus 4.9 degree Celsius in Pahalgam while Qazigund, the gateway town of Valley recorded minus 0.3 degree Celsius.
Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are the most and the temperature drops considerably.
‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).
According to the MeT official, the Ladakh region was the coldest as Kargil recorded minus 17.0 degrees Celsius followed by the Leh city where mercury settled at minimum 12.4 degrees Celsius against minus 14.6 degrees Celsius last night.
The weatherman has predicted moderate rain or snow during the next 24 hours with possibility of heavy snowfall on January 4 and 5 which could lead to disruption of surface and air transportation.
Meanwhile, deputy commissioner Bandipora said one snow cutter was working at Kanzalwan Bagtore road, two at Dawar while one machine has been deployed in Tulail area.
He said all internal routes of Gurez zone have been cleared. “Power water supply and other essential commodities are still sufficient.”
He directed the officials to keep track of the public grievances and resolve them at earliest and ensure regular supply of essential commodities.
Dr Choudhary said the 33KV lines pertain to STD Gandarbal/Bandipora are running smoothly. He said the administration was ready to tackle with any kind of situation and that the men and machinery has been put on standby mode.
He said the snow clearance machines have been put on alert at various spots in the district so that snow is cleared from the roads at earliest.
