Woolens are back in Kashmir Valley and tourists escaping the sweltering heat of the mainland India felt enthused on drastic fall in temperature due to intermittent rainfall.
The weatherman has warned that rainfall with occasional thunderstorms would lash Kashmir Valley in the next 48 hours. The authorities have closed down Srinagar-leh National Highway for vehicular movement due to landslides at several places, sources said.
The windstorms started late on Saturday night followed by heavy rainfall. The downpour continued intermittently all through the day on Sunday lowering temperature by 10 notches at several places.
Strong winds disrupted power supply in several areas of the Valley. The drop in temperature compelled the locals to resume the use of woolens. A moderate heat wave was continuing in the Valley for the past two weeks.
“The weather is likely to remain wet in the Valley on May 26 and 27 due to western disturbances, which cause precipitation in Kashmir and neighbouring region,” Sonam lotus, Director of Meteorological department said.
He said the intermittent rains with thunderstorms were more likely in Zoji la area on Srinagar-leh National Highway and Ramban region on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.
A traffic control unit spokesman told The Pioneer that landslides have triggered on Zoji la pass that compelled the authorities to stop vehicular movement on the vital highway that connects ladakh with the rest of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Srinagar-Jammu Highway has not been closed but the commuters have been asked to remain vigilant during their journey. The incessant rainfall inundated roads and streets in summer capital Srinagar due to poor drainage system. At many places fire tenders and pumps were employed to drain out water from the clogged areas. The low-lying areas where unplanned and unauthorised residential colonies have come up were mostly affected by the rainfall.
The rainfall has enthralled thousands of tourists who have arrived here to escape the sweltering heat in the north and south Indian plains. “It is unbelievable that we are out in woollens at a time when our friends and family members back home are sizzling in hot summer,” said Rajneesh, a tourist from Gujarat.
The State Government has organised two-week Kashmir festival to engage tourists at well known resorts. The tourists, apart from receiving incentives on tour packages, are introduced to Kashmir’s heritage.