Bringing Delight to Locals and Tourism Industry
Shiekh Tariq
The residents of Kashmir finally woke up to a beautiful sight as they were greeted by a white blanket of snow. This marked the end of a two-month long dry spell, bringing happiness and joy to the locals and tourists.
Reports reaching to The Web Story/The Varmul Post, Srinagar, along with other district headquarters in the Kashmir valley, witnessed the season’s first snowfall. The higher reaches also received moderate snowfall.
An official at the Metrological Department Srinagar told The Web Story/The Varmul Post that the minimum temperatures recorded by the Meteorological Department were 0.2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 7.6 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, and minus 4.1 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam.
The official also predicted another spell of snowfall, which is expected to begin on February 3. He stated that there is a possibility of light to moderate snow and rain in many places of Jammu and Kashmir from February 3-4. From February 5-12, generally dry weather is expected.
Meanwhile, the long-awaited snowfall in Gulmarg, a popular ski resort, and other hill stations in Kashmir has not only brought joy to tourists but has also uplifted the local tourism industry. For two months, the land had remained dry, causing concern among tourism stakeholders who depend on visitors for their livelihoods.
Hotels were empty, ski slopes were barren, and markets were silent during the dry spell. However, the recent snowfall has reignited hope and anticipation among tourism stakeholders.
The 40-day harshest winter period known as ‘Chilai Kalan’ ended on January 29.
