Snow in Kashmir, temp dips as rains lash plains

Srinagar, Nov 11: The Kashmir valley is under the grip of severe cold following fresh snowfall on the upper reaches while the plains had rains since early this morning.

However, the Srinagar-Jammu and Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highways are open for traffic and all incoming and outgoing flights operated normally.

A Gandola cable car project official told sources over phone from Gulmarg that world famous ski resort of Khilanmarg, Afarwat and other upper reaches experienced fresh snowfall since early this morning.

The slopes had turned white as about six inches to one feet of snowfall was recorded.

However, the Gulmarg slopes are awaiting first snowfall, he said, adding it was raining since early this morning resulting in considerable drop in the temperature.

He said tourist arrival to Gulmarg these days was very less as compared to last year when a record number of visitors and adventure and ski lovers from across the country and abroad visited.

The official said the tourism department and Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) have taken all necessary measures to receive the tourists and skiers this winter as will.

A report from Baramulla said fresh snowfall was recorded at Sadhna top, Karnah, Gurez and other higher reaches. However, road to these areas was still open for traffic, it said.

Baramulla, Kupwara and other plain areas in north Kashmir had rains since early this morning, Disrupting normal life as temperature dropped, the report added.

The holy shrine of Amarnath and its periphery also recorded about one feet of fresh snowfall since last evening. Snowfall was recorded at Sheshnag, Mahaguns, Pisso top and Panjtherni.

The Srinagar city and its adjoining areas experienced rains, resulting in considerable drop in the temperature forcing people to wear jackets and other woollens.

Students appearing in different board and university examinations alleged that there was no heating arrangment in examination halls.

UNI