Fresh snowfall in Kashmir's upper reaches

Srinagar, Feb 23: The upper reaches in the Kashmir valley experienced fresh snowfall since late last night while plains, including Srinagar, had rain mixed with intermittent light snowfall this morning, disrupting normal life.

However, despite rain and snowfall, the 300-km-long Srinagar- Jammu National Highway is through for traffic.

Traffic and pedestrian movement in the city had also been affected because of damaged roads and overflowing drains due to poor drainage system despite spending crores of rupees.

A weather office spokesman however said the night was warm because of three degree above normal minimum temperature.

He said night temperature was above normal in all parts of the valley.

A report from south Kashmir said Anantnag town and its adjoining areas experienced light snowfall this morning.

Pahalgam, the base camp of holy Amarnath cave shrine also had fresh snowfall since late last night.

It was snowing heavily at the cave shrine and Shehshnag, Mahaguns, Pisso top and Panjtherni,the report said.

Fresh snowfall was also experienced in upper reaches in Shopian, Deksum and Ahrabal where more than 7 feet to 12 feet snow had already accumulated after valley recorded heaviest snowfall in 20 years.

Baramulla and its adjacent areas also experienced fresh snowfall since early this morning. Few inches of snow had accumulated on the roof and tree tops. However, the upper reaches, including Sadhna top, Keran, Karnah and other hilly areas experienced heavy snowfall since late last night.

Zojila pass on the 434-km-long Srinagar-Leh National Highway recorded about one feet of fresh snowfall during the past 24 hours.

The highway has been closed for six winter months from November 16 last year. However, Drass-Kargil-Leh portion on the highway remained through for traffic despite snowfall.

UNI