First heavy snowfall in Srinagar disrupts life

Srinagar, Jan 10 (UNI) The summer capital, Srinagar, and its adjoining areas had turned white after receiving seasons first heavy snowfall, disrupting normal life.

Meanwhile, life in north Kashmir remained crippled due to three to five feet of snowfall, leading to road blocks and shortage of essential commodities, electricity and water.

Tree and roof tops, roads and parks were under a blanket of snow as people woke up this morning in the city.

Almost all city roads were under water after snow melted as the day progressed, making the movement impossible in many areas, including Budshah Nagar, Natipora, Bemina, Nowgam, Banapora, Azad Basti and Methan.

People of these areas alleged that despite spending crores of rupees by different department on construction of under ground drains, the roads remained water-lodged even after light rainfall.

The weather office said more than 24 mm rainfall was recorded till this morning in the city.

The holy Amarnath cave and its periphery and Sheshnag, Mahaguns, Pisso top and Panjtherni besides tourist resort of Pahalgam, Deksum, Aharabal, Achabal, Shopian and Qazigund in south Kashmir experienced one to four feet of fresh snowfall.

The world famous ski resort of Gulmarg had also recorded more than one feet of fresh snowfall while it was two to three feet at Affarwat, seven springs and Khilanmarg.

Yusmarg, Zojila pass and zero point on the 434-km-long Srinagar- Leh national highway also experienced several feet of fresh snowfall since last evening. The highway has been closed for six winter months on November 15 last year. However, some private vehicles continued to ply illegally because of dry weather till last week of December last year.

A report from Baramulla said fresh spell of snowfall has severed road links to Tehsil headquarters and other far flung and remote villages.

It said snowfall has affected phone and other telecommunication service, power and water supply. Locals alleged shortage of essential commodities and said government run ration depots are empty.

They alleged that authorities have failed to repair the damaged electric poles and wire in the affected villages.

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