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Dal lake freezes after 12 years
Srinagar: The world-renowned Dal Lake in the heart of Srinagar froze on Friday after the temperature dipped below zero degrees Celsius. Currently reeling under an intense cold wave, large regions of the State have been carpeted under a thick mantle of snow. Boat owners had to break thin layer of snow in the lake to make their way, while children were seen sliding and walking over the frozen lake, enjoying themselves.
"The
lake has frozen after 12 years. The children are enjoying it a lot...It's
very nice to see this," said M. Ahmed, a local. Agaz Ahmed, another local
added: " We are enjoying a lot. The lake has completely frozen after 10-12
years and we are feeling wonderful. We walked on the lake yesterday and
really enjoyed the experience". Dating back to 250 BC, Dal Lake is one
of the major tourist attractions in Srinagar. But of late the lake which
once covered 12 square miles, has shrunk to half the size over the past
four decades because of silt, weeds and development. Many areas on the
periphery have been reclaimed and converted into floating gardens. The
lake is in the heart of State capital and has more than 1,500 timber houseboats
that are popular with tourists, who also take trips in Shikaras. Meanwhile.
snowfall was still on at several places in the State. Last year, Kashmir
valley had received its heaviest snowfall in the last 30 years.
-Jan 6, 2006
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