Kashmir Valley receives snowfall, breaking over two months of dry spell

Srinagar

After a gap of over two months — and one of the longest dry spells — Kashmir Valley received snowfall in higher reaches and tourist resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. World Famous Ski resort Gulmarg was finally covered with a white layer of snow bringing cheer among the tourists and locals associated with tourism.

Snow has brought happiness to the faces of tourists and locals after Kashmir Valley witnessed a two-month-long dry spell. No snow at famous resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg was leading to disappointment among the tourists visiting the Valley. A huge number of bookings were cancelled due to lack of snow. But with fresh snow, tourists were seen enjoying in Gulmarg. 

''We are honoured to be here; my wife had planned everything regarding this holiday, and we were lucky to watch the snowfall. I would request everyone to come here to enjoy the valley and see how amazing and hospitable people are here. If you come here, you will feel that it's no less than Switzerland and everyone should visit,'' said Shirish Pandey, a tourist. 

The dry spell in the Valley was becoming a huge concern for the authorities as it was leading to many issues like tourism visit cancellations, water scarcity and forest fires. The ski resort Gulmarg which was deserted due to lack of snow, has become vibrant again. There is a rush of tourists again in Gulmarg and some of them are saying that it's a dream come true for them. 

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''I consider myself to be lucky, to witness the snowfall. Watching this snowfall live is a great feeling. I think everyone should come and see this place as there is so much snow. Today we we finally got to see what we had come for. It's a heavenly feeling in the true sense. It's a beautiful place and everyone should come and visit it's the best time to come here,'' said Priyanka Pandey, a tourist. 

Kashmir Valley's MeT Department has predicted that there will be light to moderate rain in the plains of Kashmir, and good snowfall in the higher areas. The officials said that there is a possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places in Jammu and Kashmir between January 30-31. The weather is expected to remain the same till February 3 and light rain and snowfall are expected in many places. Heavy snowfall is expected in higher reaches like Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts in the next two days.

The authorities said that due to the prevailing weather conditions, some of the roads have been temporarily closed in high-altitude areas. Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, Zojila and other important routes have been shut for traffic.