Srinagar, Dec 29: Most of the plain areas in Kashmir experienced the season’s first snowfall on Thursday, even as the higher reaches witnessed heavy precipitation, leading to the closure of Srinagar-Leh road which connects the valley with Ladakh, officials said.
An official said, that the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg, in north Kashmir, recorded several inches of fresh snowfall since this afternoon, while Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir, recorded 10 cm of snow.
He said most of the areas in the plains of the valley also received light snowfall — which is the season’s first. It was still snowing, especially in the higher reaches, when the last reports came in and the weather system is likely to continue, he said.
The fresh snowfall has forced the closure of Srinagar-Leh road as well as Mughal road — the alternate roadway connecting the valley with the Jammu region, the official added.
On being contacting the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang Kundbarao Pole, he said fool-proof arrangements have been put in place and robust response mechanism has been fully activated at all the district headquarters in view of the current spell of snowfall amid inclement weather.
He said that the administration had fully activated response mechanism to deal with any situation and all line departments including power, heath, Jal-Shakti are on the ground to provide hassle free services to the public.
He also said that the snowfall will boost tourism in Kashmir, besides it will also encourage the tour operators in different famous winter tourists destinations of Kashmir especially Gulamarg on the eve of the new year. (KNS)
