Kashmir hill resorts receive fresh snowfall, rains lash plains

By: Umaisar Gul Ganaie

Srinagar, Feb 20: Several areas of Kashmir including Doodpathri and Sonamarg on Thursday received fresh snowfall while the rains lashed plains, bringing down the mercury and ending the prolonged dry spell across Jammu and Kashmir.

Sonamarg and Doodhpathri in central Kashmir received nearly 10 inches of snowfall in the last 2 hours while several other areas in South Kashmir also experienced light snowfall.

The plains of Jammu and Kashmir were however lashed by the rains with the details revealing that a rainfall of 8.0 mm was recorded at Sangam station while 6.0 mm rainfall was recorded in Srinagar’s Ram Munshi Bagh. Khudwani and Batkoot also recorded a rainfall of 11.0 mm each during the period.

These stations have been witnessing a reduction in the water level for the last some time in wake of the prolonged dry spell and low precipitation for the last three months.

However, the fresh rainfall has not brought any changes in the water level in river Jhelum and other streams with water at majority of the stations continue to flow below zero level.

Notably, the chopper service from Katra to Sanjhi Chat for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine nestled in Trikuta Hills in Katra town of Reasi district remained suspended due to poor visibility and fog conditions after fresh rainfall.

“Due to rains, the Trikuta Hills are covered by dense fog, due to which the chopper service from Katra to Sanji Chhat has been suspended,” said an official. He said that the pilgrims were trekking either on foot or availing themselves of pithoo/palanquin (palki)/pony service due to suspended chopper service. The chopper service will resume once the weather improves, he added. He, however, said that the Shrine Board staff deployed along the track are guiding pilgrims to remain alert and watchful while performing pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, with rains and snow in upper reaches the temperature also sees drastic shifts. Jammu city recorded 11.9 degrees Celsius minimum temperature, Katra town 9 degrees Celsius, Batote 3.7 degrees Celsius, Banihal 2.4 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 4.4 degrees Celsius.

Moreover, the weather is expected to improve from tomorrow, saying that partly cloudy weather is expected from February 21 to 23 while on February 24 & 25, generally cloudy weather with possibility of light rain and snow expected at scattered places.

Director Meteorological department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that from February 26 to 28, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places.

Pertinently, KNO has already reported that in the first 50-days of the year 2025 Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a rainfall deficit of 83 percent thus posing a risk of severe water scarcity in the coming months.

From January 1, 2025 to February 19, 2025, J&K has recorded a rainfall of just 29.8 mm against the normal precipitation of 175.8 mm. i.e. only the 17% precipitation.

Meanwhile, all the major highways across Kashmir have been blocked following a fresh spell of snowfall and rainfall, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, officials said on Thursday while the authorities said that restoration work has been started to clear the roads.

Officials told KNO that traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been halted from both ends due to slippery road conditions between Banihal and Ramsoo caused by heavy snowfall.

Commuters have been advised to avoid travel on the highway until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared.

Regarding the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road, officials said that it remains closed due to continuous snowfall. “A decision on resuming vehicular movement on this route will be taken tomorrow after receiving clearance from road maintenance agencies.”

Similarly, the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road is closed for vehicular movement as per the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kokernag’s advisory, referenced under endstt. no. SDM/KNG/2024-25/3139-45 dated 16-01-2025.

Officials also said that the Mughal Road remains closed for vehicular movement following the District Magistrate Poonch’s order, referenced under endstt. no. DMP/JC/7273-92 dated 18-01-2025, due to snow accumulation.

The Bhaderwah-Chamba Road continues to remain closed due to snow accumulation, officials said. —(KNO)