Months long prolonged dry spell break, tourists, locals happy
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 27 (TDD): After months of unseasonal dry weather, Kashmir finally received its much-awaited first significant snowfall of the season today.
The snow blanketed popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and other regions of South Kashmir, rekindling the spirit of both locals and tourists.
In Gulmarg, the snowfall proved to be a boon for the local economy. Manzoor Ahmad, a sled operator, expressed his joy, saying, “It’s been a challenging few weeks with no tourists, but this snowfall has brought a new lease of life. I already have bookings for sled rides, and I hope this trend continues throughout the season.”
For farmers, the snow came as a much-needed relief. Abdul Rashid, a farmer from Pahalgam, shared his thoughts, “The prolonged dry spell had us concerned, but this snowfall will replenish our water sources and ensure that our crops thrive in the coming months. For us, this snow is not just beautiful; it’s essential.”
The snowfall has also brought hope to the tourism industry. Shabir Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Pulwama, noted, “Snow always attracts more tourists, and with more tourists come better business opportunities. We are excited about what this winter season holds.”
In Anantnag, local resident Nazir Ahmed, 65, reflected on the deep cultural connection the people of Kashmir have with snow. “Snowfall is woven into the fabric of our lives. It’s not just weather—it’s part of our culture and livelihood. The valley feels alive again,” he said.
Locals in Shopian and Kulgam were equally thrilled. Bilal Ahmad from Shopian remarked, “The snow is a blessing for us. It brings joy to the heart, and most importantly, it will support our farmers. We’ve been waiting eagerly for this.” Ghulam Hassan, a farmer from Kulgam, echoed these sentiments, saying, “This snowfall is a relief. It signals that better days are ahead for our crops.”
In Srinagar, children embraced the winter wonderland with snowball fights and building snowmen. College student Iqra Jan said, “Living in Kashmir, this is the most magical part of the year. The snow transforms everything and makes stepping outside pure joy.”
For tourists visiting the region, the snowfall exceeded expectations. Harpreet Kaur, a visitor from Punjab, shared her excitement: “We came to Kashmir hoping to see snow, and the sight of this beautiful snow-covered valley is a dream come true.”
The tourism industry is already buzzing with activity. Bashir Ahmad, a hotel manager in Gulmarg, noted, “Snowfall is the lifeblood of winter tourism in Kashmir. Our phones have been ringing off the hook with new bookings. This is the boost we desperately needed.”
While temporary disruptions were caused by snow accumulation on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, authorities are working diligently to clear the roads. Flight schedules are being closely monitored to ensure smooth connectivity.
With more snow predicted in the coming days, Kashmir is filled with optimism, as this snowfall not only adds to the beauty of the valley but also brings hope for a prosperous and successful winter season ahead. (TDD)