Severe cold coupled with power shortage cripples life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 17 (UNI) Severe cold due to heavy snowfall on upper reaches and rains in plains coupled with frequent power failure paralysed life in the Kashmir valley.

Meanwhile, the ski slopes running two km to 20 km had turned white at the world famous resort of Gulmarg after about one feet of snowfall was experienced since last evening.

A spokesman of the Gandola Cable Car Project (GCCP) told UNI over phone that it was heavily snowing since early this morning.

The entire area had turned white, he said adding about two feet to two and a half feet of snowfall was recorded at Affarwat and Kongdori.

He said tourists, including from within the country and abroad, have started arriving here.

''We expect a good number of skiers and other adventure lovers this winter,'' he said, adding last year a record number of tourists visited Gulmarg.

Director Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department Farooq Ahmad Shah told UNI that Gulmarg slopes will host a week-long ice-skating championship from December 25, marking the beginning of the winter sports activities.

This would be followed by the Gulmarg Cup and other ski courses for boys and girls from different educational institutions.

The other upper reaches, including Sadhna top, Keran, Karnah and Machil also experienced fresh snowfall since last evening.

The holy Amarnath shrine in south Kashmir and its periphery recorded one feet of fresh snowfall. The other points enroute to holy shrine including Mahaguns, Pisso top and Sheshnag also recorded fresh snowfall.

The Zojila, on the Srinagar-Leh national highway also experienced fresh snowfall since early this morning. The highway has been closed for six winter months from November 15. However, all the stranded vehicles, including some passenger vehicles, were allowed to proceed towards their respective destinations yesterday after Border Roads Organisation (BRO) cleared the snow on the highway.

A report from Kargil said that all the stranded vehicles reached there last night.

It said the upper reaches of Kargil and Drass, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia, also had fresh snowfall.

The plains had rains since last night disrupting normal life.

The valley is also facing acute shortage of power as besides ten hour daily power curtailment, frequent power shut down has added to the difficulties of the people.

Reports of protest against power failure had also been received from different parts of the valley, including Chadoora where people took to streets against the Power Development Department (PDD).

UNI BAS LL GC1308