Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Jan 13: The higher reaches of Gurez sector in North Kashmir's Bandipora district experienced light snowfall without causing any disruptions in road connectivity, electricity, or water supply, officials said here.
According to officials who spoke to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the upper reaches of Gurez valley, including Bagtore, Tulail, Kilshay, and Churwan areas, witnessed fresh snowfall this morning. Also, the plains of Gurez experienced light snowfall.
"Despite Razdan Pass, the gateway to this mountainous valley, receiving light snowfall late last night, the road connectivity, which would often be closed due to heavy snowfall during these months, remains open for traffic movement," they said.
Officials have said that the internal routes within Gurez valley are accessible for traffic. "Furthermore, there have been no reports of damage to water supply or electricity in any area due to the snowfall until this evening," the said.
Meanwhile, residents said that the ongoing dry spell has facilitated smooth agricultural activities in Gurez Valley, a scenario that would have been challenging with the typical early snowfall in the region.
They also said that the persistent dry weather in Gurez Valley has maintained open road connectivity for the residents till now. Ordinarily closed in November due to heavy snowfall, the continuous availability of fresh vegetables and other essentials is being ensured for the valley.
In the village of Sardaab in Tulail, a video has gone viral showing the unusual practice of plowing and removing potatoes, typically reserved for May, taking place in January.
Residents expressed astonishment, noting that they have never experienced such dry conditions. The early agricultural activities are a response to the unprecedented dryness observed in the area, they said.
"This departure from the usual timeline reflects the challenges posed by the unusual weather conditions which prompted us to adapt their practices to the changing environment", said Abdul Rashid a former.(KNO).
