Srinagar gets season's 1st snowfall, two-month dry spell ends in Valley

Seven flights cancelled from Srinagar airport, few delayed; Kashmir University postpones exams

- HT Correspondent

SRINAGAR: Many parts of Kashmir witnessed season's first major snowfall bringing relief from the cold wave. The summer capital--Srinagar--witnessed season's first snowfall on Friday. As per officials, three inches of snow was recorded in the city.

MeT office has predicted more snow in coming days due to active Western Disturbance over Kashmir. Gulmarg, Tangmarg, Sonmarg, and several parts of north and south Kashmir recorded snowfall since Friday morning. The snowfall also led to a delay in flights from the Srinagar airport. Due to snow, seven flights got cancelled.

"Compared to northern parts, south Kashmir witnessed more snow. We hope this weather system brings more snow in coming days," said a senior MeT official in Srinagar.

"It's a first major snowfall of the season in Srinagar. We hope it will continue throughout the night, especially as this snowfall was necessary as most of our water resources were running dry due to the dry spell," said Ajaz Ahmad of the old city. Even tourists at many places in the city were seen enjoying the snowfall.

The officials of disaster management said machines have been pressed into service on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway and Srinagar-Gulmarg highway. Gulmarg also witnessed 5 to 6 inches of snow, which has brought happiness among the tourists and hoteliers who expect good tourist arrival on the New Year.