Shadow Correspondent
JAMMU, FEB 20:
Fresh snowfall was Thursday recorded in several higher reaches of Kashmir, including tourist resorts, while the plains were lashed by rains, officials said, raising the hopes of a reduction in the high rainfall deficit in the valley. Light snowfall was recorded at the famous tourist resorts of Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, as well as in Doodhpathri in Budgam district.
They said light snowfall was also recorded in Heerpora area of Shopian, and Uri in Baramulla.
Many other places in the higher reaches also witnessed fresh snowfall.
The plains of the valley, including Srinagar, were lashed by intermittent rains, they added.
The wet weather spell along with the forecast of more precipitation have raised hopes among the people of reducing the high rainfall deficit in Kashmir.
Kashmir has witnessed a mostly dry winter this year with the months of January and February recording a precipitation deficit of around 80 per cent.
“We have been waiting for rains and snow as we are facing a drought-like situation due to deficit in precipitation this year. We are thankful to God that there has been fresh snowfall and rainfall, albeit little,” local resident Mehraj Ahmad said.
Ahmad expressed hope of more precipitation in the coming days to mitigate the sufferings of the people.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain or snow at many places on Thursday.
It said while the weather is likely to remain cloudy from February 21-23, light rain or snow is possible at scattered places on February 24-25, and light to moderate rain or snow at many places is likely on February 26-28.
The helicopter and ropeway service at the Vaishno Devi shrine remained suspended on Thursday as high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir experienced snowfall while the plains, including Jammu city, were lashed by rains, ending a prolonged dry spell, officials said.
Jammu division had recorded an 83 per cent rainfall deficit and Kashmir Valley recorded an 81 per cent deficit since the beginning of the New Year and the change in the weather came as a big relief for the people, especially the farmers.
The officials said the helicopter service from Katra to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district was suspended this morning due to “bad weather”.
The ropeway from Bhavan to Bhairon temple was also not operated as a precautionary measure due to continuous rains, they said.
However, they said the pilgrimage to the shrine continued without any disruption. The battery car service was also functioning normally.
The hills surrounding the shrine were covered by snow, providing a spectacular view to the devotees who walked from base camp Katra to the shrine, the officials said.
They said Patnitop hill resort and its adjoining areas also experienced snowfall, while the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was lashed by rains throughout the day. However, the traffic on the arterial road played without any disruption.
The reports of snowfall were also received from Peer Ki Gali and adjoining areas along Mughal road in Poonch district, Banihal hills in Ramban, Sinthan top in Kishtwar and upper reaches of Doda, Kathua and Reasi districts.
Normal life was disrupted in Jammu city which along with other plains were lashed by rains, resulting in a considerable drop in the day temperature.
