The mountains are being lavished with heavy snowfall, while the plains are gripped by a relentless cold wave following rains. Significant snowfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir has thrown daily life into disarray, leading to the closure of major roads like the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. In anticipation of the weather, schools in the hilly districts have been ordered closed for safety.
Although late to arrive, when the snowfall finally graced the mountains, the scenery turned enchanting. White blankets of snow have enhanced the valley's beauty, presenting nothing but an expanse of snow everywhere you look, from roads to rooftops, mountains to trees.
However, snow brings its own challenges. Anyone venturing outside must battle these snowy layers. Initiatives are underway to clear the thick snow blankets dominating the mountainous regions. Cars are burdened by heavy layers of snow which necessitates removal efforts. Government relief operations are also in progress.
Large machines are tirelessly clearing snow, yet it seems as soon as one layer is removed, another settles in. Amid heavy snowfall in Anantnag, tourists exhibit tremendous enthusiasm, celebrating and capturing moments amidst the snow-covered landscape. The altered weather has rendered the Kashmir valleys into stunning vistas.
Meanwhile, in Srinagar, heavy snowfall accumulates several feet high, intensifying the chill. Tourists who ventured for a scenic escape found themselves trapped by the snowfall with numerous flights canceled.
Source: aajtak
Yet, there is joy in witnessing such snowfall after months of waiting, offering some relief from the biting cold.
Areas in upper Kashmir like Kupwara, Shopian, and Kulgam report snowfall between 2 to 4 feet, while lower areas are witnessing up to two and a half feet. Life is disrupted—roads are blocked, the power is out, and residents are facing challenges.
Jammu also experiences snowfall, as shown by the images from Vaishno Devi, causing a temporary halt in pilgrimages. This marks the season’s first snowfall, blanketing the path entirely with snow.
Read Also:
Himachal's scene remains in rhythm with Kashmir's, with relentless snowfall in many areas. Tourists beam with delight, although for locals, the snow becomes a burden.
Weather Shift Brightens Himachal's Vistas
The mountains don a shimmering silver cloak of snow. Himachal's picturesque tourist spots are adorned in snow, with light flurries here and a blizzard there. In Shimla, post-snowfall, the entire city appears cloaked in a white embrace.
The famous Mall Road and even the old church are carpeted with thick layers of snow. Snowfall's announcement lures people from every state to Shimla's frosty doorstep.
Bilaspur in Himachal doesn't escape the snowfall, either. After three years, the snow excites residents, feeling like a much-awaited blessing.
In Dharamshala and McLeodganj, slight snowfall makes the weather delightful. Faces in the city and among tourists are lit with joy, enhancing the city’s charm. Manali’s view becomes even more special, with everything from trees to mountains exuding beauty. Streets are under several feet of snow with bustling tourist markets. While snow brings joy, challenges grow, with long queues and trapped people evident.
Heavy snowfall at Manali’s Atal Tunnel complicates the situation, creating thick snow layers all around, yet amidst this snowy ocean, the tricolor waves proudly.
A unique spectacle of divine faith appeared in Mandi during the snowfall. Devotees braved the cold for special prayers at Parashar Rishi's retreat, maintaining holy traditions amidst snow and frost.
In Mandi again, a sudden landslide occurred just behind a moving bus on the Chailchowk-Pandoh route. Spotting the danger, the driver stopped the bus, allowing passengers to evacuate safely before debris blocked the road. Thankfully, no injuries occurred.
While the weather gifts some areas, others face daunting conditions. Efforts continue to clear snow, allowing people to peacefully savor nature’s gift.
Source: aajtak
Read Also:
Nature’s bounty has once again declared Himachal a tourist haven. While caution is crucial with the snow, the sights have captured everyone’s hearts.
Witnessing the snowfall, people from the plains have flocked to the hills. Consequentially, roads in Shimla, Nainital, and Manali see long traffic jams
