Kashmir parts receive rains, ending unprecedented dry spell

Srinagar, July 29: Kashmir parts on Monday received much-awaited rains, ending an unprecedented spell of sweltering heat and dry spell that had taken a toll on normal life.

As predicted by the local meteorological department, rains lashed parts of south Kashmir late last night while the summer capital Srinagar and adjacent districts received rains in the morning hours, bringing much relief to the residents and farmers.

In view of heat wave, the divisional administration announced on Monday that schools up to Class 7 shall remain suspended till July 30.

The maximum temperature was 36.2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar on Sunday, which was higher than that of the winter capital Jammu where the maximum temperature was 35.1 on Sunday.

Towns like Qazigund and Kokernag in Kashmir recorded their all-time highest maximum temperature of 35.6 and 34.1 respectively on Sunday.

To invoke divine blessings, people across the valley offered special prayers called ‘Nimaz-e-Istisqa’ on Friday.

Scores of devotees visited the shrine of Kashmir’s patron saint, Sheikh Nooruddin Wali in Charar-e-Sharief town of Budgam district on Sunday to offer prayers for rain.

In line with the eclectic, multi-religious and tolerant culture of Kashmir, locals have always sought the blessings of their saints to invoke Allah’s mercy in times of natural calamities like floods, epidemics, earthquakes and droughts.

While agriculture and horticulture have already suffered huge damages due to water scarcity and drought-like conditions, the potable water supply has also been badly affected due to the heatwave.

The level of water in river Jhelum, other major and minor rivers, lakes, streams and springs has fallen by 50 per cent. (With IANS inputs)