Dry spell leads to decline in Kangri sales, say artisans

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar, Jan 26 (KNO): The prolonged dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has led to a decline in demand for Kangris, according to artisans making these traditional firepots.

Kangris, the traditional earthen pots filled with hot embers, have been a customary source of warmth in Kashmiri households during harsh winter months. However, the dry spell and milder temperatures have reduced the overall need for these traditional warmers.

Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), local Kangri artisans, who have been crafting these distinctive heating devices for generations, expressed concerns about the impact on their livelihoods. They said the decrease in demand directly affects their income as Kangris are less sought after during the milder temperatures resulting from the prolonged dry period.

KNO reached out to artisans in Okey village of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, who said they have never witnessed such a prolonged dry spell, and it is affecting their sales. The demand for Kangris has declined, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.

One artisan, with decades of experience in this traditional craft, said his work has suffered, with about 90% of the stock remaining unsold. He said the high day temperatures in the valley have led to a decrease in Kangri demand as people are using these firepots less frequently.

Abdul Rashid, a Kangri seller from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, said that in previous seasons, he used to sell 30 to 40 Kangris per day. However, this season, he hardly sells 5 to 10 per day. “The Kangri culture in Kashmir has been adversely affected by the prolonged dry spell,” he said.

The higher reaches of the valley received snowfall last night and early Friday morning.

Faizan Aarif Keng, an independent weather forecaster, told KNO that the last wet spell occurred around December 22 in higher reaches. “Today’s wet spell has brought an end to the dry spell that Jammu & Kashmir experienced over the last 30-35 days,” he said.

More wet spells are expected in the coming seven days, both in higher reaches and plain areas of the Union Territory, with an even better spell anticipated around January 28-29, Faizan said—(KNO)

Prolonged dry spell ends as Kashmir parts receive fresh snowfall

MeT predicts major weather activity from Jan 29, issues advisory

Srinagar, Jan 26 (KNO): The prolonged dry spell has ended in Kashmir as several places including the famous ski-resort, Gulmarg, experienced fresh snowfall while the weatherman here has predicted more snowfall by the end of this month.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Gulmarg, Kishtwar parts, Sonamarg, Pir Ki Gali, Shopian, Doodhpathri, Gurez and other places received a fresh light snowfall since last evening, putting an end to the prolonged dry spell.

However, the plains including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, witnessed occasional sunshine throughout the day.

As per the local Meteorological department, there is a forecast of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches towards late evening tomorrow.

On Jan 28-29, amidst cloudy weather, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain, snow over many places, Director Meteorological (MeT) department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said, adding that on Jan 30-31, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain, snow at widespread places.

On February 01 and 02, there is a possibility of light rain, snow at many places, he said.

Meanwhile, the weatherman has issued an advisory in wake of the weather system from January 28-31, saying that it may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan pass, Zojila etc.

“Travellers are advised to plan accordingly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the fresh snowfall at multiple places has brought smiles on the faces of tourism players, who are now expecting a further footfall of tourists in the Valley.

Moreover, the minimum temperature has improved at multiple places with Srinagar recording a low of minus 0.5 degree Celsius.

Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination, recorded the minimum temperature of minus 0.4 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, recorded a low of minus 3.7 degree Celsius.

Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir has recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 degree Celsius while in Kokernag, the mercury settled at minus 0.1 degree Celsius. In Kupwara, the mercury settled at 2.5 degree Celsius—(KNO)

Our mission, terror free J&K: LG Manoj Sinha on 75th R-Day

*Says all efforts on to push last nail in the coffin of terrorism; to live in peace, every citizen’s birth right; J&K on the path of development, Post G-20 foreign, domestic tourist arrivals shows huge surge, Admin committed to hold Panchayat polls soon after formalities are over; Hails J&K police for its big role; UT flourishing on all fronts: Advisor Bhatnagar*

Raja Syed Rather

Jammu, Jan 26 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday said that all efforts are afoot to push the last nail in the coffin of terrorism as the ultimate aim is to see “terror free J&K.”

Addressing the gathering on the occasion of 75th Republic Day function at Moulana Azad Stadium Jammu after unfurling the tri-colour, the LG as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that all efforts are on to provide relief to the people of J&K. “It is the birth right of every citizen to live in peace. All efforts are being made to root out terrorism and its eco-system in J&K. Our aim is to see terror free J&K,” the LG thundered from the stage.

He said that the administration and the security forces will soon push the last nail in the coffin of terrorism in J&K. Expressing concern over the drug abuse in the UT, the LG said that youth falling prey to drug abuse is a “big concern.”

The LG while hailing the J&K police said the “sacrifice and valour” is the second name of police.

Stating that development is touching new heights in the UT in the past four years, the LG said that “impossible has been made possible” as the UT has achieved huge progress on the developmental front.

About Panchayat polls, he said earlier, the administration was ready but the amendment law introduced in the parliament that calls for the reservation to various sections has caused a little delay. “Once all the formalities are completed, we will go for the polls,” he said.

On government jobs, he said that in J & K since 2020, 33000 jobs were provided to youth in a transparent manner. “Almost one lakh, entrepreneurs started their own business units,” the LG said.

He said under Rs 513 Crore holistic agriculture development program (HADP) almost 13 lakh farmers will benefit in next five years. The LG said J&K Bank is today a 1200 crore profit institution. “The same institution was a 1200 Cr loss institution before 2019,” he said. Sinha said that Kashmir will get connected with the train up to Kanyakumari this year.

He said that post G-20 meeting in Srinagar, tourists flooded J&K as 2.11 crore visitors visited the UT last year including 55,000 foreigners. “Off beat tourists like Gurez, Lobal, Shivkohri recorded huge tourist influx and LoC tourism also evoked a good response,” the LG said.

Kashmir Republic Day: In Kashmir, LG’s Advisor B R Bhatnagar took the salute of the parade and addressed the gathering as well. He said that that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing massive development from the last four, five years. “From health sector to physical infrastructure and from seamless citizen centric governance through digital means to improved service delivery to the public, every sector has taken a flight of development,” he said.

Bhatnagar said that Robust Public Health infrastructure is essential for the progress of any developing nation, adding that J&K is witnessing a massive push in the establishment of world class healthcare facilities. He added that two AIIMS, two State Cancer Institutes and other advanced health care facilities are being established here. He observed that from 2017 to 2020 total macdamization was 9252 Kms whereas from 2020 to 2023 total length achieved under macadamization is 16807 Kms

On the thriving Tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir, Advisor Bhatnagar said that the Tourism industry is one of the most flourishing sectors in the UT of J&K. This Industry is playing a pivotal role in the Social and Economic development and transformation of all the regions of J&K as a significant population is engaged in the Tourism Industry directly or indirectly, he said. “Tourism Sector in J&K has done exceptionally well and witnessed unprecedented growth in the year 2022, as more than 1.88 crore tourist visits have been recorded in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Advisor said. “This positive trend has continued during the current calendar year as more than 2 crore Tourist visits have been recorded till 7th December 2023, which is the highest recorded Tourist visits so far.”—(KNO)

Weather Update and Advisory for Jammu & Kashmir: 26.01.24

The past 24 hours in Jammu & Kashmir have seen as expected weather conditions, with light rain and snow reported at a few higher reaches. As we look ahead, here’s the forecast for the upcoming days:

26th Jan:
Partly to generally cloudy skies are anticipated with light rain/snow at isolated higher reaches until the afternoon, followed by improvement thereafter.

27th Jan:
Expect partly to generally cloudy conditions with the possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches towards late evening.

28-29th Jan:
The forecast indicates generally cloudy weather with the potential for light to moderate rain/snow at many places.

30-31st Jan:
There is a likelihood of light to moderate rain/snow at many places during these days, with significant improvements in visibility and a rise in maximum temperatures in the plains of the Jammu Division starting today.

1st-3rd Feb:
The trend continues with the possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places.

Advisory:
1. The system may lead to the temporary closure of roads in higher reaches and important passes such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna & Razdan Pass, Zojila, especially during 28-31st Jan.
2. Travelers are strongly advised to plan accordingly, considering potential disruptions.

The weather conditions suggest a mixed bag of precipitation, making it crucial for residents and travelers to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Keep an eye on updates from local authorities and weather services to ensure a safe and well-prepared journey.

As always, weather conditions can change rapidly, so it is advisable to stay tuned to reliable sources for the latest information. Stay safe, plan wisely, and enjoy the beauty of Jammu & Kashmir responsibly in the coming days.