Early Times Report
Srinagar, Mar 19: Cold wave tightened its grip as light snowfall was recorded early this morning in the summer capital, Srinagar, where almost all roads, including in the civil lines, were inundated due to heavy rain during the past three days.
However, hills surrounding Srinagar were covered under a blanket of snow, clearly visible from a distance, including Dal Lake and civil lines.Parents have appealed to government to close all lower class educational institutions due to chilly weather conditions and rain.
After heavy rain during the night, tree and roof besides vehicle tops were covered under light snow as people woke up this morning in the city, resulting in chilly weather conditions.
However, as the day progressed snow started melting after sun appeared from behind the clouds though icy cold winds also continued and sky was partly cloudy.
Despite pressing into service some dewatering pumps at several places, majority of roads in Srinagar were waterlodged, badly affecting pedestrian and traffic movement.
However, in the Lal Chowk and some other areas, authorities had pressed into service Fire Service and other dewatering vehicles to drain out the rain water.
The MeT department has forecast more rain during the next 48 hours.Due to heavy rain during the night, very less number of vehicles could be seen on the roads this morning.
A number of schools, particularly lower classes, have declared holiday for the third day today due to rain while other institutions recording very less attendance.
The number of visitors to Asia's largest Tulip garden on the foot of Zabarwan hills, overlooking famed Dal Lake has also dropped due to rain.
The garden was thrown open on March 15 for visitors, three weeks before scheduled due to relatively warm weather this winter, particularly in February and first fortnight of March.Water level in the river Jehlum and its tributaries has also witnessed sharp increase during the past 24 hours though it was still below danger mark and there was no flood threat.
Widespread rain is predicted in the Valley during the next 24 hours followed by fairly widespread today and isolated tomorrow before weather will turn dry on March 21.
People could be seen wearing warm and woolen clothes and using all gadgets, including gas and electric heaters for heating purpose. |
