Kashmir Observer

Kashmir Welcomes Snow Once More With Fresh Flurries

- KO Web Desk Auqib Javeed

Srinagar: Several parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, witnessed fresh snowfall on Saturday as the MeT department has forecast moderate top-heavy snowfall in the valley over the next 48 hours.

While it started snowing early in the morning in the higher reaches of Kashmir, the plains of the valley also witnessed snowfall as the day progressed, officials said.

They said the day temperatur­es are likely to stay between zero and three degrees Celsius at most places in Kashmir.

Sadhna Top has received a snowfall of more than 10 inches today while Gulmarg and famous ski-resort recorded four inches of fresh snowfall today.

In Gurez, 4-6 inches of fresh snowfall were recorded today while some other parts including Zojila, Sonamarg, and adjoining areas also recorded several inches of snowfall. More than half a foot of fresh snowfall was recorded at Razdan Pass.

Authoritie­s have issued avalanche warnings in hilly and mountainou­s areas.

Meanwhile, Director Meteorolog­ical department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said that there is a possibilit­y of light to moderate snow and rain at many places till 4th February evening with chances of heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches.

“Middle and

Srinagar: Despite the muchantici­pated snowfall in Kashmir since last week, which ended a two-month-long dry spell, environmen­tal experts argue that the snowfall following 'Chillai Kalan' will have a diminished impact, as it may not provide sufficient replenishm­ent to address the prolonged water scarcity and environmen­tal concerns in the region.

Kashmir witnessed the record-breaking driest Chillai Kalan this year, experienci­ng warmer days than ever. However, on the last day of this 40-day-long most severe part of winter, western disturbanc­es hit, and the region received its first snowfall

Experts argue that snow less Chillai Kalan is “worrisome” given that snow and glaciers regulate stream flows and help in groundwate­r recharge in Kashmir.They said that the absence of snow means all the water-dependent sectors of the economy, be it irrigated agricultur­e, ...Kashmir's

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