Bhaderwah welcomes season’s first snowfall

Bhadarwah, Nov 24: The residents of Bhaderwah in Chenab Valley heaved a sigh of relief as they finally got a respite from the prolonged dry weather after the region received the much-needed rain while surrounding hills experienced the season’s first snowfall on Saturday night.

The prolonged dry weather, which had started taking a toll on the agriculture sector and resulting in large-scale viral infections besides impacting the tourism industry badly finally got some respite as a thin layer of snow engulfed the surrounding hills of Bhaderwah.

Guldanda meadow located on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot highway which became a much sought-after snow destination last year due to abundant snow from as early as October was devoid of visitors this year due to dry weather.

Last night’s snowfall has finally brightened up the tourism prospects, especially of Guldanda as after last night’s snowfall, tourists from different parts of the country have already set their eyes on the region to enjoy snow.

“We were waiting eagerly for the snow. Last year, Guldanda became the darling of snow lovers as the region witnessed its first snowfall in the first week of October. After that every day hundreds of tourists visited here resulting in brisk business for dozens of vendors,” said a local vendor Imran Ali, 33, of village Basti, Bhaderwah.

“Although it is too little and too late, we are expecting that after last night’s snowfall, our business will pick up as on the very first day, visitors have started converging here, which is a good omen,” he said.

Meanwhile, tourists who visited Guldanda on Sunday were seen enjoying the white layer of snow at the high-altitude meadow.

“This is really like a fairytale as the beauty of the snow-draped meadow is breathtaking. We could not believe our luck that we were here to witness these breathtaking locales. I would love to stay here forever,” said Junaid Alam, 27, a visitor from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.