In the first case of coronavirus affecting military personnel, a soldier from Leh is reported to have been infected by the virus. He was on leave from February 25 to March 1. The soldier's father had returned from a pilgrimage in Iran.

Indian Army soldier tests positive for coronavirus

Uttarakhand-Himachal reel under heavy floods, Manali-Leh highway also shut due to landslide. Watch this video to know more.

Uttarakhand-Himachal reel under heavy floods, Manali-Leh highway also shut due to landslide

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

The polling station for casting votes for the least number of voters - only 12 - has been set up at Gaik village under Leh assembly segment of Ladakh parliamentary constituency, Leh District Electoral Officer Anvy Lavasa said.

"Gaik polling station (number 38) has the lowest voters, only 12," she said. The voters at Gaik village include only five males and seven females, she added.

Similarly, the district also has a polling station at the highest altitude in the country at 14,890 ft above the sea level, she said, adding this polling station with the unique distinction has been set up at a place called Anlay Pho.

She said the two are among the 294 polling stations set up in Leh assembly segment.

A total of 11,316 polling stations have been set up in the state for 78,42,979 voters to exercise their rights of franchise in the multi-phase parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir starting April 11 to choose six MPs.

Out of the six parliamentary constituencies, the Ladakh constituency also has the distinction of having the least number of polling stations, only 559, for the lowest voters numbering 1,71,819.

Leh and Kargil districts, forming parts of Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, have 294 and 265 polling stations respectively.

As per the official figures, most of the polling stations have been set up at an altitude of 8,001 to 13,000 feet with the maximum number of high-altitude stations, numbering 183, located in Leh assembly segment, followed by 158 in Kargil segment.

Over 190 polling stations have been set up at altitudes between 7,001 to 8,000 feet.

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

A polling booth for the least number of voters and one at the highest altitude, Leh has it all among the 11,316 polling stations set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The polling station for casting votes for the least number of voters - only 12 - has been set up at Gaik village under Leh assembly segment of Ladakh parliamentary constituency, Leh District Electoral Officer Anvy Lavasa said. "Gaik polling station (number 38) has the lowest voters, only 12," she said. The voters at Gaik village include only five males and seven females, she added. Similarly, the district also has a polling station at the highest altitude in the country at 14,890 ft above the sea level, she said, adding this polling station with the unique distinction has been set up at a place called Anlay Pho. She said the two are among the 294 polling stations set up in Leh assembly segment. A total of 11,316 polling stations have been set up in the state for 78,42,979 voters to exercise their rights of franchise in the multi-phase parliamentary polls in Jammu and Kashmir starting April 11 to choose six MPs. Out of the six parliamentary constituencies, the Ladakh constituency also has the distinction of having the least number of polling stations, only 559, for the lowest voters numbering 1,71,819. Leh and Kargil districts, forming parts of Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, have 294 and 265 polling stations respectively. As per the official figures, most of the polling stations have been set up at an altitude of 8,001 to 13,000 feet with the maximum number of high-altitude stations, numbering 183, located in Leh assembly segment, followed by 158 in Kargil segment. Over 190 polling stations have been set up at altitudes between 7,001 to 8,000 feet.

A polling booth for least voters and one at highest altitude, Leh has it all

Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/internet-services-snapped-in-srinagar-ahead-of-pm-narendra-modis-visit-194707">Narendra Modi </a>on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects, worth nearly Rs 12,000 crore, at Leh in Ladakh.

The Prime Minister is on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

"Once Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line is completed, the distance from Delhi to Leh will be reduced. It will also benefit the tourism sector. Protected Area Permit's validity has been increased to 15 days, now tourists will be able to enjoy their journey to Leh," said PM Modi in a public meeting in Leh.

"I’m happy that changes have been made to Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act, &amp; the council has been given more rights concerning the expenditures. Now the Autonomous Council releases the money sent for the region’s development," he added.

PM Modi also launched the University of Ladakh, the first-ever in the state's region.&nbsp;

It will be the first-ever university in the Ladakh region of the state.

It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi.

Modi had earlier visited Jammu, Srinagar and Leh on May 19, 2018, to lay the foundation stones of various infrastructure projects in the state.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects, worth nearly Rs 12,000 crore, at Leh in Ladakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects, worth nearly Rs 12,000 crore, at Leh in Ladakh. The Prime Minister is on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir. "Once Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line is completed, the distance from Delhi to Leh will be reduced. It will also benefit the tourism sector. Protected Area Permit's validity has been increased to 15 days, now tourists will be able to enjoy their journey to Leh," said PM Modi in a public meeting in Leh. "I’m happy that changes have been made to Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act, & the council has been given more rights concerning the expenditures. Now the Autonomous Council releases the money sent for the region’s development," he added. PM Modi also launched the University of Ladakh, the first-ever in the state's region. It will be the first-ever university in the Ladakh region of the state. It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi. Modi had earlier visited Jammu, Srinagar and Leh on May 19, 2018, to lay the foundation stones of various infrastructure projects in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

PM inaugurates development projects, addresses public meeting in Leh

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday.

The night temperature rose slightly across the valley, except in Kokernag, providing some relief to residents. However, the mercury went down in Ladakh region of the state, an official of the MET Office here said.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which had experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades on the previous night at minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, saw the mercury rise half-a-degree to settle at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius last night.

However, the official said the night temperature in the city was still over five degrees below normal for this time of the season.

He said Qazigund- the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.7 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night, the official said.

The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius last night up from minus 9.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night.

The official said the ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius, an increase of over two degrees from minus 9.3 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Kokernag town in south Kashmir was the only place in the valley where the night temperature dropped last night. The town registered a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius as against minus 5.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night.

The night temperature in Leh town in Ladakh region of the state dropped over two degrees from the previous night's minus 15.1 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 17.5 degrees Celsius last night, the official said.

He said last night was the coldest night of the season so far there and Leh was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir.

The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 16.7 degrees Celsius, the official said, adding last night was the coldest night of the season so far there.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably.

'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold).

However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November.

The intense cold wave has resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes in most areas of the city and other towns of the valley.

The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly.

The weatherman has predicted light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the valley and Ladakh region on Sunday and at scattered places across the state next week.

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday.

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday. The night temperature rose slightly across the valley, except in Kokernag, providing some relief to residents. However, the mercury went down in Ladakh region of the state, an official of the MET Office here said. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which had experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades on the previous night at minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, saw the mercury rise half-a-degree to settle at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius last night. However, the official said the night temperature in the city was still over five degrees below normal for this time of the season. He said Qazigund- the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.7 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night, the official said. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius last night up from minus 9.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night. The official said the ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius, an increase of over two degrees from minus 9.3 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kokernag town in south Kashmir was the only place in the valley where the night temperature dropped last night. The town registered a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius as against minus 5.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night. The night temperature in Leh town in Ladakh region of the state dropped over two degrees from the previous night's minus 15.1 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 17.5 degrees Celsius last night, the official said. He said last night was the coldest night of the season so far there and Leh was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir. The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 16.7 degrees Celsius, the official said, adding last night was the coldest night of the season so far there. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably. 'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold). However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November. The intense cold wave has resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes in most areas of the city and other towns of the valley. The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly. The weatherman has predicted light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the valley and Ladakh region on Sunday and at scattered places across the state next week.

J&K: Leh, Kargil experience coldest night of season

The cold wave sweeping Kashmir intensified Wednesday as the mercury stayed several degrees below the freezing point, resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines in several residential areas.

Leh town in Ladakh region recorded the lowest temperature this winter as mercury plummeted to minus 17.1C last night, a Met department official said. The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 14.4C, he said. 
 
Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;which recorded the coldest night in 11 years on Monday at minus 6.8C, experienced a similar minimum temperature last night at minus 6.7C, the official said. He said Qazigund the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.9C, while the nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 5.4C last night. 
 
Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.4C. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, settled at minus 7.9C, the official said. The ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the coldest place in the Valley at minus 9.4C. 
 
The cold wave has resulted in the freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dal-lake-freezes-partially-as-mercury-dips-in-kashmir-186587">Dal Lake in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dal-lake-freezes-partially-as-mercury-dips-in-kashmir-186587">Srinagar</a>, and residential water supply pipes in Srinagar and other towns of the Valley. 
 
Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’&nbsp;the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are maximum and the temperature drops considerably. 
 
‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that. It is followed by a 20-day-long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day-long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).

The winter this season has been largely dry, although there was a spell of snowfall in the Valley in early November. 
 
The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly people.

The weatherman has predicted rain or snowfall at isolated places in the Valley and Ladakh region on Wednesday.

The cold wave sweeping Kashmir intensified Wednesday as the mercury stayed several degrees below the freezing point, resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines in several residential areas.

The cold wave sweeping Kashmir intensified Wednesday as the mercury stayed several degrees below the freezing point, resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines in several residential areas. Leh town in Ladakh region recorded the lowest temperature this winter as mercury plummeted to minus 17.1C last night, a Met department official said. The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 14.4C, he said. Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir which recorded the coldest night in 11 years on Monday at minus 6.8C, experienced a similar minimum temperature last night at minus 6.7C, the official said. He said Qazigund the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.9C, while the nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 5.4C last night. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.4C. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, settled at minus 7.9C, the official said. The ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the coldest place in the Valley at minus 9.4C. The cold wave has resulted in the freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, and residential water supply pipes in Srinagar and other towns of the Valley. Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are maximum and the temperature drops considerably. ‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that. It is followed by a 20-day-long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day-long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold). The winter this season has been largely dry, although there was a spell of snowfall in the Valley in early November. The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly people. The weatherman has predicted rain or snowfall at isolated places in the Valley and Ladakh region on Wednesday.

Leh shivers at minus 17.1 degree Celcius; cold wave intensifies in Kashmir

Dressed in Gongchas -- a heavy coat-like traditional Ladakhi attire -- 299 women danced together making it to the Guinness World Records and marked the end of the Naropa Festival Thursday.

The women, aged between 18 and 60 years, wore Peraks -- turquoise headgears -- and performed the Shondol to Ladakhi music at the Hemis Monastery in the Himalayas. Shondol is a traditional dance performed for the king on special occasions.&nbsp;

Speaking after the world record attempt, Swapnil Dangarikar, official adjudicator, Guinness World Records, declared the dance performance as the "Largest Ladakhi Dance".

"They (dancers) have made a record with 299 successful participants. This is a new Guinness World Record title... With this I declare that all of you are officially amazing," Dangarikar said.

The last of the five-day festival also witnessed Tsering Ladol being honoured with the Himalayan Hero award. Ladol was the first Ladakhi girl to scale Mount Everest in 2005.

The award was conferred to Master Sonam Lundup, for his dedication in the field of education and Olthang Nimoo, for his contribution in the field of art, and posthumously to Late Padma Shri Tsering Wangdus.

The festival, which started on September 16, celebrated the life and teachings of Buddhist scholar-saint Naropa with traditional dance and musical performances.&nbsp;

With visitors from the Himalayan region of Tibet and as far as Bhutan, the five-day festival also witnessed the unfurling of the 85-feet Thangka -- a Tibetan-Buddhist painting on a cloth depicting a deity or a mandala -- which the monastery touted as "the largest silk embroidered brocade of Buddha" in India.

One of the members of the organising committee said at the closing ceremony that the festival is a platform "for all to come together and to encourage our people and artists".

"It is a platform to showcase the rich and divine heritage of the Himalayan region. People here can meet and interact with the followers of the Drupka lineage from India, Tibet, and other parts of the world.&nbsp;

"It is also a platform to exchange the teachings of the Buddha dharama and to learn the culture of Ladakh," he added.

Celebrated every 12th year of the Tibetan calendar, the Naropa festival, also known as the 'Kumbh Mela of the Himalayas', was last organised in 2016 as a "special case".

This year's edition of the festival also saw the formal inauguration of the Naropa Fellowship programme for post-graduate candidates to "encourage and shape the next generation of leaders in policy and entrepreneurship".&nbsp;

The celebrations this year also included lessons of Naropa, prayers and religious performances by monks and nuns, traditional archery competition, performances by local artistes and a fashion show.

Each evening, the festival witnessed performances by Bollywood artistes including Kailash Kher, Papon, Sonu Nigam and Aditi Singh Sharma.

Dressed in Gongchas -- a heavy coat-like traditional Ladakhi attire -- 299 women danced together making it to the Guinness World Records and marked the end of the Naropa Festival Thursday.

Dressed in Gongchas -- a heavy coat-like traditional Ladakhi attire -- 299 women danced together making it to the Guinness World Records and marked the end of the Naropa Festival Thursday. The women, aged between 18 and 60 years, wore Peraks -- turquoise headgears -- and performed the Shondol to Ladakhi music at the Hemis Monastery in the Himalayas. Shondol is a traditional dance performed for the king on special occasions. Speaking after the world record attempt, Swapnil Dangarikar, official adjudicator, Guinness World Records, declared the dance performance as the "Largest Ladakhi Dance". "They (dancers) have made a record with 299 successful participants. This is a new Guinness World Record title... With this I declare that all of you are officially amazing," Dangarikar said. The last of the five-day festival also witnessed Tsering Ladol being honoured with the Himalayan Hero award. Ladol was the first Ladakhi girl to scale Mount Everest in 2005. The award was conferred to Master Sonam Lundup, for his dedication in the field of education and Olthang Nimoo, for his contribution in the field of art, and posthumously to Late Padma Shri Tsering Wangdus. The festival, which started on September 16, celebrated the life and teachings of Buddhist scholar-saint Naropa with traditional dance and musical performances. With visitors from the Himalayan region of Tibet and as far as Bhutan, the five-day festival also witnessed the unfurling of the 85-feet Thangka -- a Tibetan-Buddhist painting on a cloth depicting a deity or a mandala -- which the monastery touted as "the largest silk embroidered brocade of Buddha" in India. One of the members of the organising committee said at the closing ceremony that the festival is a platform "for all to come together and to encourage our people and artists". "It is a platform to showcase the rich and divine heritage of the Himalayan region. People here can meet and interact with the followers of the Drupka lineage from India, Tibet, and other parts of the world. "It is also a platform to exchange the teachings of the Buddha dharama and to learn the culture of Ladakh," he added. Celebrated every 12th year of the Tibetan calendar, the Naropa festival, also known as the 'Kumbh Mela of the Himalayas', was last organised in 2016 as a "special case". This year's edition of the festival also saw the formal inauguration of the Naropa Fellowship programme for post-graduate candidates to "encourage and shape the next generation of leaders in policy and entrepreneurship". The celebrations this year also included lessons of Naropa, prayers and religious performances by monks and nuns, traditional archery competition, performances by local artistes and a fashion show. Each evening, the festival witnessed performances by Bollywood artistes including Kailash Kher, Papon, Sonu Nigam and Aditi Singh Sharma.

Naropa festival concludes with Guinness World Record in Ladakhi dance

Ahead of PM Modi's visit to J&K on Saturday, Indian security forces have increased safety measures in the state.

PM Modi will be inaugurating the 300-Megawatt hydroelectricity project in the Valley.&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister will also be laying the foundation stone for the longest road tunnel through the Zojila Pass to connect the Valley with Ladakh.

It will India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel.

The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh to 15 minutes.

The tunnel is set to take seven years to build by India.

The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh to 15 minutes.

Ahead of PM Modi's visit to J&K on Saturday, Indian security forces have increased safety measures in the state. PM Modi will be inaugurating the 300-Megawatt hydroelectricity project in the Valley. The Indian prime minister will also be laying the foundation stone for the longest road tunnel through the Zojila Pass to connect the Valley with Ladakh. It will India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel. The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh to 15 minutes. The tunnel is set to take seven years to build by India.

PM Modi to visit J&K to inaugurate Zojila tunnel, hydroelectricity project

The death toll of people dying of cold wave in north India has reached over 100 with about 70 dead in Uttar Pradesh.

By Tuesday, there were media reports of at least 44 people died in the national capital region due to the harsh cold.

As there were several reports claiming people dying of the cold in India, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board denied all reports of deaths in Delhi saying that &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-shelter-board-denies-deaths-due-to-cold-28948">such deaths happen in summer</a> also and it would be unfair to connect it with cold&quot;.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-chilly-morning-for-delhi-as-temperature-dips-to-42c-28965">Another chilly morning for Delhi as temperature dips to 4.2&deg;C</a>

Cold wave in Delhi has intensified in north India from few days after there was fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh.

In Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir cold disrupted daily life of people living in the area.

With frozen taps becoming a common sight and frequent power cuts caused major discomfort in residents lives.

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-70-trains-affected-haryana-schools-to-remain-closed-until-january-14-due-to-cold-wave-28972">Transport services were also affected</a> because of the fog causing low visibility.

68 trains were affected of which, at least 22 trains have been cancelled, 40 trains were running late and three have been rescheduled owing to poor visibility on Wednesday. 
&nbsp;

The death toll of people dying of cold wave in north India has reached over 100 with about 70 dead in Uttar Pradesh. By Tuesday, there were media reports of at least 44 people died in the national capital region due to the harsh cold. As there were several reports claiming people dying of the cold in India, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board denied all reports of deaths in Delhi saying that "such deaths happen in summer also and it would be unfair to connect it with cold". Also read: Another chilly morning for Delhi as temperature dips to 4.2°C Cold wave in Delhi has intensified in north India from few days after there was fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. In Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir cold disrupted daily life of people living in the area. With frozen taps becoming a common sight and frequent power cuts caused major discomfort in residents lives. Meanwhile, Transport services were also affected because of the fog causing low visibility. 68 trains were affected of which, at least 22 trains have been cancelled, 40 trains were running late and three have been rescheduled owing to poor visibility on Wednesday.

Over 100 people die due to cold wave in North India

With the mercury dropping over 15 degrees Celsius below the freezing point, normal life in Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir remain affected due to harsh weather.

With frozen taps becoming a common sight, frequent power cuts are only amplifying the cold and adding to the discomfort of the residents.

&quot;We are having major shortage of water. It is very cold here. The tap and the pipes freeze and we have to light fire to de-ice taps and the water pipeline,&quot; said a local.

&quot;Our daily lives have been disrupted. There is no electricity, no water. We are facing lot of difficulties in doing our regular basic chores,&quot; added another Local.

&quot;As the temperatures drops drastically during night, the public post tape water point gets freezes during winter and it needs at least half an hour heating to withdraw water every morning,&quot; said another local.

With the mercury dropping by over 15 degrees Celsius below the freezing point, Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Ladakh region has become the coldest recorded place in the state.

The Leh region in Ladakh continued to be cut off from the rest of the world by surface due to heavy snowfall on higher reaches, for over six months now.

The two gateways to Ladakh region -- Zojila pass from Srinagar side and Rohtang La and Taglang La pass from Manali side -- continued to remain closed for vehicular traffic since November.

However, in the recent years, some of the winter sports, such as Ice Skating, Ice Hockey Tournament and Chadar trek, are becoming popular among the youth.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of &#39;Chillai-Kalan&#39;, the 40-day harshest winter period. It will end on January 31 but the cold wave conditions will continue in the Valley.

With frozen taps becoming a common sight, frequent power cuts are only amplifying the cold and adding to the discomfort of the residents

With the mercury dropping over 15 degrees Celsius below the freezing point, normal life in Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir remain affected due to harsh weather. With frozen taps becoming a common sight, frequent power cuts are only amplifying the cold and adding to the discomfort of the residents. "We are having major shortage of water. It is very cold here. The tap and the pipes freeze and we have to light fire to de-ice taps and the water pipeline," said a local. "Our daily lives have been disrupted. There is no electricity, no water. We are facing lot of difficulties in doing our regular basic chores," added another Local. "As the temperatures drops drastically during night, the public post tape water point gets freezes during winter and it needs at least half an hour heating to withdraw water every morning," said another local. With the mercury dropping by over 15 degrees Celsius below the freezing point, Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region has become the coldest recorded place in the state. The Leh region in Ladakh continued to be cut off from the rest of the world by surface due to heavy snowfall on higher reaches, for over six months now. The two gateways to Ladakh region -- Zojila pass from Srinagar side and Rohtang La and Taglang La pass from Manali side -- continued to remain closed for vehicular traffic since November. However, in the recent years, some of the winter sports, such as Ice Skating, Ice Hockey Tournament and Chadar trek, are becoming popular among the youth. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan', the 40-day harshest winter period. It will end on January 31 but the cold wave conditions will continue in the Valley.

Dipping mercury disrupts daily life in Leh

The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved the construction of Asia&#39;s longest bi-directional Zojila Pass tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir to provide all-weather connectivity between areas of Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, which remains cut-off from the rest of India during winters due to heavy snowfall.

The tunnel is pegged to cost&nbsp;Rs 6,089 crore and will reduce the travel time through Zojila Pass to 15 minutes from the current 3.5 hours between Srinagar and Leh.&nbsp;

The project was approved by the&nbsp;Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave his go-ahead to the 14.2-km long tunnel project.&nbsp;

In a statement,&nbsp;road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said,&nbsp;&quot;Zojila tunnel will be the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. (Its) construction period (will be) seven years because of a very difficult terrain where in some areas temperature dips to minus 45 degree Celsius. The tunnel shall be an engineering marvel as first of its kind in such a geographical area.&quot;

He added, &quot;Defense forces have to face a hard time ensuring supplies to border posts during winters. This pass is most strategic for the entire Kargil sector which has seen intrusion and war in the past.&quot;

It was announced that the&nbsp;Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the project and work on the tunnel is likely to start this year.

Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters (December to April) due to heavy snowfall and avalanches cutting off Leh-Ladakh region from Kashmir. 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Estimated to cost Rs 6,089 crore, once constructed, the tunnel will reduce travel time from 3.5 hours to 15 minutes

The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved the construction of Asia's longest bi-directional Zojila Pass tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir to provide all-weather connectivity between areas of Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, which remains cut-off from the rest of India during winters due to heavy snowfall. The tunnel is pegged to cost Rs 6,089 crore and will reduce the travel time through Zojila Pass to 15 minutes from the current 3.5 hours between Srinagar and Leh. The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave his go-ahead to the 14.2-km long tunnel project. In a statement, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said, "Zojila tunnel will be the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. (Its) construction period (will be) seven years because of a very difficult terrain where in some areas temperature dips to minus 45 degree Celsius. The tunnel shall be an engineering marvel as first of its kind in such a geographical area." He added, "Defense forces have to face a hard time ensuring supplies to border posts during winters. This pass is most strategic for the entire Kargil sector which has seen intrusion and war in the past." It was announced that the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the project and work on the tunnel is likely to start this year. Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters (December to April) due to heavy snowfall and avalanches cutting off Leh-Ladakh region from Kashmir.

Srinagar to Leh in 15 minutes, Cabinet approves Zojila Pass tunnel project

Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s capital Srinagar recorded season&rsquo;t coldest night on Wednesday, with the temperature dropping to minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, the meteorological department said.

Jammu too recorded a temperature of 7.9 degrees Celsius, the city&rsquo;s coldest this season.

Leh was the coldest town in the state at minus 11.6 degrees Celsius. Other town like Kargil saw night temperature dropping to minus 9.

With winter setting in early, night temperatures fell below the freezing point through the Kashmir valley.&nbsp;Pahalgam was at minus 5.7 degrees Celsius, while the famous ski resort Gulmarg recorded a temperature of minus 5.4 degrees celsius.

The weather office has forecast mainly clear weather till Friday.

Jammu and Kashmir?s capital Srinagar recorded season?t coldest night on Wednesday, with the temperature dropping to minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, the meteorological department said.

Jammu and Kashmir’s capital Srinagar recorded season’t coldest night on Wednesday, with the temperature dropping to minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, the meteorological department said. Jammu too recorded a temperature of 7.9 degrees Celsius, the city’s coldest this season. Leh was the coldest town in the state at minus 11.6 degrees Celsius. Other town like Kargil saw night temperature dropping to minus 9. With winter setting in early, night temperatures fell below the freezing point through the Kashmir valley. Pahalgam was at minus 5.7 degrees Celsius, while the famous ski resort Gulmarg recorded a temperature of minus 5.4 degrees celsius. The weather office has forecast mainly clear weather till Friday.

Srinagar records season's coldest night at minus 2.3 degrees Celsius

Army officers of India and China met Wednesday&nbsp;in Leh&#39;s Chusul sector, a day after border guards foiled an attempt by Chinese soldiers to enter Indian territory along the banks of Pangong lake in Ladakh.

Official sources said yesterday&#39;s incident at Pangong and ways to maintain peace and tranquility along the Sino-India border in Ladakh were discussed at length at the border personnel meeting (BPM).

Soldiers of the People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) tried to enter the Indian side in two areas-- Finger Four and Finger Five-- twice between 6 am and 9 am yesterday. But on both the occasions their attempts were thwarted by alert Indian troops.

After Chinese troopers found their path blocked by ITBP personnel who formed a human chain, they began hurling stones, prompting a swift retaliation by Indian border guards.

Personnel from both sides received minor injuries and the situation was brought under control after the customary banner drill under which both sides hold banners before stepping back to their respective positions.

The Chinese troops had managed to enter up to Finger Four area in the region from where they were sent back. This area has been a bone of contention between India and China as both claim it to be a part of their territory.

When asked about yesterday&#39;s incident in Ladakh, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters, &quot;This is not a subject on which the government makes a comment on.&quot;

The sources said today&#39;s BPM was pre-scheduled and the issues discussed included strengthening of existing mechanism for maintaining peace and tranquility along the border. Brigadier ranked officers of both sides attended the meeting.

Two-thirds of the Pangong Lake are controlled by China while one-third of it is controlled by India. 
 
The incidents in Ladakh took place amid a face off between Indian and Chinese armies in Dokalam in India-Bhutan- China trijunction which has entered the third month.

Official sources said notwithstanding the standoff, sweets were exchanged between the Indian Army and PLA troops in multiple border locations including in Dokalam.

Exchange of sweets on Independence Day and Republic Day has been a tradition for last several years.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Official sources said yesterday's incident at Pangong and ways to maintain peace and tranquility along the Sino-India border in Ladakh were discussed at length

Army officers of India and China met Wednesday in Leh's Chusul sector, a day after border guards foiled an attempt by Chinese soldiers to enter Indian territory along the banks of Pangong lake in Ladakh. Official sources said yesterday's incident at Pangong and ways to maintain peace and tranquility along the Sino-India border in Ladakh were discussed at length at the border personnel meeting (BPM). Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) tried to enter the Indian side in two areas-- Finger Four and Finger Five-- twice between 6 am and 9 am yesterday. But on both the occasions their attempts were thwarted by alert Indian troops. After Chinese troopers found their path blocked by ITBP personnel who formed a human chain, they began hurling stones, prompting a swift retaliation by Indian border guards. Personnel from both sides received minor injuries and the situation was brought under control after the customary banner drill under which both sides hold banners before stepping back to their respective positions. The Chinese troops had managed to enter up to Finger Four area in the region from where they were sent back. This area has been a bone of contention between India and China as both claim it to be a part of their territory. When asked about yesterday's incident in Ladakh, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters, "This is not a subject on which the government makes a comment on." The sources said today's BPM was pre-scheduled and the issues discussed included strengthening of existing mechanism for maintaining peace and tranquility along the border. Brigadier ranked officers of both sides attended the meeting. Two-thirds of the Pangong Lake are controlled by China while one-third of it is controlled by India. The incidents in Ladakh took place amid a face off between Indian and Chinese armies in Dokalam in India-Bhutan- China trijunction which has entered the third month. Official sources said notwithstanding the standoff, sweets were exchanged between the Indian Army and PLA troops in multiple border locations including in Dokalam. Exchange of sweets on Independence Day and Republic Day has been a tradition for last several years.

Day after border skirmish, Army officers of India, China meet in Leh

Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a face-off in the Ladakh region of the&nbsp;northernmost Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir since Wednesday, Indian news agency PTI reported today.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The stand-off reportedly started after People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) personnel entered Demchok sector, located 250 km east of Leh, where the work for linking a village with &#39;Hot spring&#39; was being undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), a flagship rural employment scheme of former Congress-led UPA government.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to PTI, about 55 Chinese troops halted the work in an aggressive manner as they arrived at the scene. Consequently, Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) personnel rushed to the spot to &#39;stop the high-handedness of Chinese troops&#39;, official sources informed today.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Taking positions on the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Chinese troops apparently demanded that work be stopped claiming that either side needed to take permission before undertaking any work.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The claim, however, has been disputed by the Indian side which says that as per the agreement between the two countries, information about construction needs to be shared only if it was meant for defence purposes, PTI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Meanwhile, sources informed that troops from both the sides continue to be stationed on the ground after they had pulled out banners.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While the PLA claims the area belongs to China, sources said that Indian Army and ITBP personnel were not allowing the Chinese to move ahead, the PTI said. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

A similar incident was reported in 2014 in the area following the decision to construct a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme that had been a sore point with the Chinese.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chinese troops reportedly claimed that either side needed to take permission before undertaking any construction work

Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a face-off in the Ladakh region of the northernmost Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir since Wednesday, Indian news agency PTI reported today. The stand-off reportedly started after People's Liberation Army (PLA) personnel entered Demchok sector, located 250 km east of Leh, where the work for linking a village with 'Hot spring' was being undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), a flagship rural employment scheme of former Congress-led UPA government. According to PTI, about 55 Chinese troops halted the work in an aggressive manner as they arrived at the scene. Consequently, Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) personnel rushed to the spot to 'stop the high-handedness of Chinese troops', official sources informed today. Taking positions on the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Chinese troops apparently demanded that work be stopped claiming that either side needed to take permission before undertaking any work. The claim, however, has been disputed by the Indian side which says that as per the agreement between the two countries, information about construction needs to be shared only if it was meant for defence purposes, PTI reported. Meanwhile, sources informed that troops from both the sides continue to be stationed on the ground after they had pulled out banners. While the PLA claims the area belongs to China, sources said that Indian Army and ITBP personnel were not allowing the Chinese to move ahead, the PTI said. A similar incident was reported in 2014 in the area following the decision to construct a small irrigation canal at Nilung Nalla under the MNREGA scheme that had been a sore point with the Chinese. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Construction of canal in Ladakh triggers face-off between Indian and Chinese troops

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