Kupwara plains witness season’s first snowfall

Kupwara, Dec 27: As predicted by weatherman Kupwara plains received the season's first snowfall on Friday while moderate snowfall was recorded in upper reaches of this frontier district.

The snowfall which began Friday afternoon continued till late evening with around 3-4 inches deep snow getting accumulated in plains while as 5-6 inches snow was recorded in upper reaches.

Higher reaches including Z-Gali Machil, Ferkhian Top Keran, Sadhna Top, Budnamal, Kumkadi and Jumgund, Tee Pee, Puthwari witnessed moderate snowfall, causing slippery conditions with the result vehicle owners driving on these roads faced hardships. However traffic was plying on these roads when last reports poured in.

The snowfall caused slippery conditions along Kupwara-Sopore highway due to which several vehicles were stuck at Watayin. Later a Police party from Police Post Chogal swung into action and rescued the stuck vehicles.

After the snowfall started, people preferred to leave for their homes early, with the result markets across the district witnessed thin presence of people.

The snowfall not only brought a welcome end to the long dry spell that had gripped the region for months but happiness to the people after they came across the first flakes of snow.

Locals while talking to Greater Kashmir said that the prolonged dry spell had caused water sources such as ponds and dug wells to dry up, while the severe cold had adversely affected their health.

"The snowfall has brought a sense of hope and respite to the residents, addressing both water scarcity and the harsh effects of the freezing weather," said Abdul Rashid, a local shopkeeper in main town Handwara.