Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Mukhtar Ahmad
Just as Kashmir valley was ready and waiting for a pleasant spring after a long and harsh winter, it seems to have been struck with heavy snowfall, throwing life completely out of gear.
The snowfall that began early on Monday morning continued without any let up. Snow accumulated, varying from eight inches in capital Srinagar to over two feet in north Kashmir’s health resort of Gulmarg and in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam resort.
Click NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PICS: Spring delayed, it's March and still snowing in Kashmir
Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Mukhtar Ahmad
The unexpected snowfall disrupted everyday life.
Educational institutions that had opened after the winter vacations had to be shut again due to the cold and snow.
Click NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PICS: Spring delayed, it's March and still snowing in Kashmir
Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Mukhtar Ahmad
The Jammu Srinagar national highway -- the valley’s lifeline -- has been closed for traffic since Monday. Air traffic too was disrupted due to incessant snowfall and poor visibility.
Click NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PICS: Spring delayed, it's March and still snowing in Kashmir
Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Mukhtar Ahmad
The snowfall snapped power and water supply, adding to the woes of the people. Power department officials said that efforts were on to restore power supply in the capital city.
Click NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PICS: Spring delayed, it's March and still snowing in Kashmir
Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Mukhtar Ahmad
North Kashmir’s ski resort, Gulmarg, which witnessed intensive winter sports activities following heavy snowfall, received the season’s heaviest snowfall.
Click NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PICS: Spring delayed, it's March and still snowing in Kashmir
Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Mukhtar Ahmad
“This is the heaviest snowfall and that too in the middle of March. We were preparing for spring, a season of blossoms that ushers in farming activity with people getting busy with agriculture and horticulture,” said Abdul Qayoom.
Click NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PICS: Spring delayed, it's March and still snowing in Kashmir
Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Mukhtar Ahmad
The snowfall may also delay the opening of Asia’s largest tulip garden located on the banks of the Dal Lake.
Click NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PICS: Spring delayed, it's March and still snowing in Kashmir
Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Mukhtar Ahmad
The heavy snowfall in December and January led to prolonged cold wave conditions in the valley.
Click NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PICS: Spring delayed, it's March and still snowing in Kashmir
Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Mukhtar Ahmad
“The same weather pattern will continue till Wednesday afternoon, though the intensity will be less. Weather will improve only on Thursday,” said an official of the local MET office.
Click NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
PICS: Spring delayed, it's March and still snowing in Kashmir
Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com Mukhtar Ahmad
Click NEXT to see more PHOTOS...
article