No repite from cold, minimum dipped to minus 3.2 degree in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 21 (UNI) Kashmir valley is heading for crisis because of continued dry weather prevailing for the past few months coupled with severe cold as the minimum temperature dipped to minus 3.2 degree Celsius, coldest of the season so for.

Taps in many areas were frozen because of the severe cold.

In the absence of Western Disturbances (WD), the chances of rainfall in the near future in the region was almost bleak, official sources said adding there was already less rainfall during summer.

The continued dry spell for the past few months has threatened crops, including wheat, mustard oil, peas and vegetables, the experts said. Dry season has affected saffron crops also, they added.

They said if there will be no rain or snowfall in the near future, the dry conditions will definitely affect the fruit trees.

''We are heading for a major crisis if weather will not improve,'' the experts said adding there will be major water shortage for irrigation and drinking.

The water level in the Jehlum and Sindh river and their tributaries besides other nullahas has come down drastically in the valley, affecting power generation.

The Power Development Department (PDD) has already warned the people that power generation in almost all hydel projects, including Uri, has come down because of low water level.

The department has now decided to import power from different states to meet the local requirement. People in unmetered areas are already facing more than six hour daily power cut besides four hour curtailment in the evening twice a week. The curtailment hours will go up in the winter months. People at several areas across the valley, particularly in the villages, took to the streets in protest against the frequent power failure.

The authorities have provided wood for all mosques for heating purpose on subsidised rates for winter months.

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