Vaishnodevi hills experience fresh snowfall

Jammu, Jan 5 (UNI) Trikuta Hills of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine today experienced fresh snowfall, as Jammu and Kashmir continues to reel under the spate of freezing northeastern winds.

Completely cloudy weather and undaunted cold waves continued to push the mercury southwards, paralysing normal life.

''Minimum temperature in the winter capital was recorded below six degrees Celsius,'' Met sources told UNI.

Upper Himalayan reaches in Udhampur, Doda, Ramban, Rajouri and Poonch witnessed fresh snowfall while the low lying areas experienced light showers.

''Pilgrims at Trikuta Hills of Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine witnessed a fresh snowfall tonight,'' sources said. However, there was no difference in the number of pilgrims reaching the holy cave shrine to pay obeisance, sources said.

Although it was snowing en route, the 300-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH1A) was opened for traffic.

''It is snowing on the national highway at different places from Jawahar Tunnel (to Srinagar), but the vehicles are plying as road is being cleared side by side,'' PCR Jammu said.

UNI VJ BDP AS1638