Snowfall in Srinagar, water sources freez in Gulmarg, -24 in Drass

Srinagar, Jan 29 (UNI) Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, experienced fresh snowfall today while it was heavily snowing on upper reaches, including world famous ski resort of Gulmarg where water sources freezed resulting in water shortage.

People, witnessing dry weather, in Kargil, Leh and Drass, the coldest place in the world after Siberia, continued to reel under severe cold as the minimum temperature dipped to minus 19 degrees to minus 24 degrees Celsius.

Tree and roof tops, electric poles and parks turned white in the city and its adjoining areas after the fresh snowfall. Though snow had stopped, the weather was cloudy.

Snowfall, coupled with frequent power failure, water shortage and rise in the prices of essential commodities has thrown life out of gear in the valley.

People at several areas took to the streets in protest against water and electricity shortage. Deputations from Bandipora and Pahalgam also complained about shortage of gas, kerosene oil, water and power in their areas to Chief Minister's advisor camping here.

At many localities the drains were overflowing and road constructed last summer were damaged due to the snowfall.

The upper reaches in the valley also experienced heavy snowfall since last evening.

MORE UNI BAS KD HT1410