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Kashmir receives fresh snowfall
by Bilal Butt

    Srinagar: Even as the cold wave continued unabated in the Kashmir valley, the area received a fresh snowfall today. The 300-km long Jammu-Srinagar national highway was shut this morning following heavy overnight snowing around the Jawahar tunnel in Qazigund area. About half-a-foot of snow accumulated on the highway, which opened to traffic recently after remaining closed for several days. Rains between Batote and Ramban also triggered mudslides at some places blocking the road, official sources said.

   However, the locals were delighted as they believe that the heavy snowfall during the winters, result in to better supply of water and electricity in summers. "I am happy that a snowfall has occurred. We will be benefited from snowfall. Snowfall occurred even last year and it was due to this only that a better distribution of power supply in summers was possible. Moreover, snowfall is also good as it holds greater allure for tourists," Adnan, a local resident, said. The snow, which covered the runway at the Srinagar airport, caused cancellation of all inbound and outbound flights from the airport This was the second time in the past fortnight that Kashmir valley was cut off from rest of the country. Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam and other places received moderate to heavy snowfall, which began last evening. Tourist resorts Gulmarg and Pahalgam in the valley were buried under four to five feet of snow. Snow clearing machines have been pressed into service in Srinagar and other cities.
-Jan 15, 2006

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