A prolonged dry spell ended in Kashmir as residents woke up to moderate rainfall in plains while the upper reaches received a thin layer of snowfall.
The snowfall brought happiness to the tour operators in famous ski resort of Gulmarg where snowfall continued throughout the day draping the entire valley in a white blanket. Television crews rushed to the resort to capture first visuals of the snowfall.
The authorities closed Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for vehicular traffic following massive land sliding in various vulnerable areas.
Director Meteorological (MeT) Department, Sonum lotus said the Valley would receive more rains and snow in plains and higher reaches respectively for next 24-hours. “There is possibility of light to moderate rains or snow at isolated places in the Valley for the upcoming 24-hours,” he said.
He informed that the higher reaches Drass, Kargil and Gulmarg has received a fresh snowfall. “The light snowfall would continue to occur for the next 12-24 hours,” he said. In view of the weather advisory, the State Government has also made adequate arrangements with officials claiming that 141 snow clearance machines have been deployed besides establishing control rooms in each district which would remain functional round the clock.
“These 141 snow clearance machines have been tested in presence of designated officers and dispatched to different districts where they will operate under the control of respective district or sub-district control rooms,” the officials said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti directed the divisional administration of Kashmir to be in a State of preparedness and responsive to any crisis thrown up by the inclement weather.
On December 7, the divisional administration issued weather advisory according to which moderate to heavy snow was expected at most places in the state from December 11 to December 13, 2017.
“A western disturbance is approaching J&K and adjoining areas. This system is likely to affect J&K from December 9 onwards and produce moderate to heavy snowfall on 11, 12 and 13 December.”