Winter in the Himalayas was unique this year, charaterised by an unusual dry spell that saw snow disappear from the hills.
Snow covered houseboats on the Jhelum river after heavy snowfall, in Srinagar. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 1, 2024 14:25 IST
The high-altitude areas of Jammu province, including the revered cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi situated atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district, were transformed into a winter wonderland as they received fresh snowfall on Thursday morning.
Winter in the Himalayas was unique this year, characterised by an unusual dry spell that saw snow disappear from the hills.
The picturesque blanket of snow also extended to Bhairon Ghati and Himkoti along the serpentine route leading to the shrine.
Despite the snowfall, the spiritual journey for hundreds of pilgrims remained steadfast, with many departing from the Katra base camp this morning. The unwavering devotion was evident as the pilgrimage continued unaffected by the weather conditions.
The snowfall was not limited to the Trikuta hills; other mountainous regions such as Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch also experienced this seasonal phenomenon. The historic Mughal Road was among the areas covered in snow, presenting a mesmerizing but challenging landscape.
While the snowfall has brought joy to many, it has also raised concerns over safety. Authorities have issued warnings regarding the potential risks of landslides and shooting stones, particularly in vulnerable spots along highways. They have urged the public to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
The Patnitop hill resort, known for its scenic beauty, also witnessed snowfall, adding to the region's allure. Meanwhile, in the Jammu and Samba areas, moderate to light rains accompanied by light winds marked the end of a prolonged period of dry and chilly foggy weather.
"Rains have ended the extreme cold conditions, providing relief to the residents," stated a Meteorological (MeT) official.
Officials have forecasted heavy snowfall and rain in the Kishtwar district, which could lead to landslides and disruptions on national highways and hilly roads.
This weather pattern is consistent with the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) prediction of heavy snowfall in higher altitudes of Uttarakhand on January 31 and February 1. The IMD has also indicated that western disturbances may cause rainfall to be above average in February.
As the region embraces the snowfall, residents and visitors alike are reminded to prioritise safety amidst the enchanting beauty of the season's first snow.
Published By:
Sibu Kumar Tripathi
Published On:
Feb 1, 2024
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