Fresh snowfall in Doda, Kishtwar; admn puts health services on standby

Our Correspondent

Srinagar/Jammu, January 31

The upper reaches of Doda and Kishtwar in Jammu received snowfall on Tuesday evening prompting the authorities to deploy road clearing machinery. Rain in parts of the Jammu division brought smiles on the faces of farmers who were struggling due to the dry spell.

Meanwhile, many areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains, officials said on Wednesday.

The tourist resorts of Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam received fresh light to moderate snowfall overnight, which was going on when last reports came in, they said. They said the snowfall was also recorded in Kokernag in Anantnag district, Handwara in Kupwara district and Gurez in Bandipora district.

Prepared for any eventuality

The administration is prepared for any eventuality. All ambulances are available round-the-clock in the district. Snow clearance machinery has also been pressed into service in areas where roads are closed. —Harvinder Singh, Deputy commissioner, Doda

The district administration of Doda also kept ambulances and health services on a standby mode in wake of heavy snowfall. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Harvinder Singh asked officials to keep a watch on the situation arising after the snowfall so that it did not affect residents.

The DC said, “The administration is prepared for any eventuality. All ambulances are available round-the-clock in the district. Snow clearance machinery have also been pressed into service in areas where roads are closed.” The administration has also provided helpline numbers to locals so that they can contact in case of an emergency. Steps have been taken in the view of increased footfall of tourists after snowfall.

Meanwhile, farmers in Jammu division, especially Udhampur who were waiting for rain for a long time, rejoiced as it rained in many parts. The prolonged dry spell had forced many farmers to reduce their irrigation, especially in the hilly areas, raising concerns about the growth and yield of their crops, particularly wheat and seasonal vegetables. However, the recent rainfall infused new hope in farmers. Fresh water would provide much-needed nourishment to crops, promote their growth and potentially lead to a good harvest.

The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar in a statement said it would generally be cloudy during the daytime with a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on January 31 and February 1, respectively. On February 1, the centre predicted possibility of heavy snowfall over higher reaches.

A few higher reaches may receive six to eight inches snowfall while plains of Central Kashmir could receive two to four inches snowfall.The centre predicted light to moderate rain and snow at many places in J&K from February 3 to 4. The centre has also warned of closure of many roads and advised travellers to plan accordingly.

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