MeT predicts dry weather till Nov 30, Harsh winter ahead in Kashmir

Apart from feeble western disturbances on Nov 23-24, no signs of wet spell; Temp to plumet minus 1.5 degrees Celsius in Plains, Minus 4 to 5 degrees Celsius in Hilly areas

Srinagar, Nov 20 (NVI): The Meteorological department Kashmir today said that weather will stay dry till November 30 and the night temperatures will further fall in Srinagar and go up to minus 1.5. It said in the hilly areas there was a possibility that the night temperature may plummet up to minus 5 degrees Celsius.

Hinting at the harsh winter ahead in Kashmir, the Deputy Director Meteorological department Kashmir Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said that the minus 0.7 degrees Celsius temperatures in Srinagar on the night of November 19-20 has already allowed the winter to set in. “The arrival of winter is very harsh in Kashmir. As far as the weather patterns there is a feeble western disturbance predicted for November 23-24 that may slightly improve the weather system for a while. But overall prediction is for very harsh winter conditions,” he said.

Dr Mukhtar said that till November 30, there is a prediction for further fall in the night temperatures and the night temperature may dip to 1 or 1.5 degrees Celsius in plain areas while as in the hilly areas, it is set fall up to minus 4 and minus 5 degrees Celsius.

Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif said that the weather forecast for till November 30 is for dry weather and there is very weak western disturbance on cards for November 23-24.

“After that, temperatures are set to fall and touch minus 1 degrees Celsius in Srinagar and minus 4 degrees Celsius in other districts of Kashmir especially hilly areas like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg etc
Asked whether Kashmir was witnessing unusual weather in November month, Arif said there was nothing abnormal about minus temperatures in November. “Last year, November 20 recorded minus 1.8 degrees Celsius night temperatures. So thing abnormal,” he said, adding that “Kashmir being the part of global community is also witnessing global warming and can’t escape this reality.” (NVI)

At minus 0.7 degree Celsius, Sgr records season’s coldest night

Minimum temperature settles at 3.9 degree Celsius in Pahalgam

Srinagar, Nov 20 (KNO): The night cold has intensified in Kashmir parts with Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recording the coldest night of season at minus 0.7 degree Celsius.

As per the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Srinagar recorded the first sub-zero temperature at minus 0.7 degree Celsius.

Shopian in South Kashmir recorded minus 3.9 degree Celsius while in Pahalgam, the mercury plummeted and settled at 3.7 degree Celsius.

Pertiently, the weatherman has predicted dry weather conditions till November 23rd following which the wet spell is expected in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)

Increasing ration quota, 12 gas cylinders will be our new year gift to J&K people: Minister Satish Sharma

Says statehood restoration a priority, adequate winter arrangements in place, will fill gaps of 11 years in 11 months

Srinagar, Nov 20 (KNO): Minister Satish Sharma on Wednesday said that enhancing ration quota and 12 gas cylinders will be the New Year gift to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking with reporters, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), minister Sharma said that all arrangements have been put in place for winter.

He also said that statehood restoration is a priority and chief minister Omar Abdullah has himself met top leadership in New Delhi. “I believe PM Modi is himself interested in restoring the statehood and all other issues will be addressed after it’s restoration,” he added.

The Minister sought 11 months time to fill the gaps created in the last 11 years. On being asked about winter preparedness, he said that officers in the administration are quite intelligent, but there are some deficiencies, which will be filled.

“All arrangements, like dumping of essentials, have been put in place. But, we need to stay alert to tackle any challenge,” he added—(KNO)

‘Safety prime concern, everything is being checked’

Experts from world will come to study engineering marvel

JAMMU, Nov 19: Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said today that security is prime concern before the launch of train to the Kashmir valley (remaining track of Katra-Sangaldan) and when everything is checked and approved, they will seek time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inauguration of the train service in January next year.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the railway track near highest rail bridge in Reasi district, Bittu said security is prime concern before start of train services and everything has to be checked and approved by the Railways staff.

“The Railways staff is on the job. They have put in tremendous efforts in construction of track to the Valley. They deserve all credit for this. The Railways officials are conducting repeated inspections. Hopefully, the train services will be launched in January next year,” he said.

The MoS Railways, who was accompanied by senior officers of the Railways, said they will seek date convenient from the Prime Minister for inauguration of train services to the Kashmir valley in January.

Presently, the train services are operational from different parts of the country up to Katra via Udhampur and Jammu and from Baramulla to Sangaldan. Now, the track between Katra to Sangaldan is nearing completion and is expected to be ready by December. Safety checks are being conducted on the remaining track before inauguration of the train services from across the country right up to Baramulla. Click here to watch video

“The Prime Minister’s vision of `Viksit Bharat’ can be accomplished by making good National Highways and Railways like United States and other countries. The rail to Kashmir is one of such projects of national importance,” Bittu said, adding the project is case of a study for the world.

“Experts from the world will come to study the engineering marvel,” he added.

The Railways Minister said not only the people will be able to reach Kashmir from New Delhi in Rs 1500, Rs 2100 or Rs 3100 but the train will give boost to tourism and trade.

“There will be a boom in the tourism with tourists having halts at Jammu, Katra (for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji darshan) and the Valley. The dry fruits, vegetables and other projects will reach New Delhi within no time benefitting the traders,” he added.

Bittu gave all credit to the Railways for working under extreme hostile conditions in the mountainous areas with adverse weather conditions for constriction of the railway track including the highest rail bridge.

The Railways, it may be mentioned, has been mulling trains to the Kashmir valley from different parts of the country after commissioning of the railway track completely. Vande Bharat sleeper train is also expected to be among the first few trains which will run from New Delhi to Baramulla. Presently, two Vande Bharat trains are operational between New Delhi-Katra daily.

Bittu said he had the incredible opportunity to visit the iconic Anji Khad Bridge in Reasi, a testament to Bharat’s engineering brilliance and determination.

“This architectural masterpiece, suspended over the breathtaking Anji River, is the first cable-stayed bridge on the Indian Railways network, connecting not just two mountains but also dreams with reality,” he wrote on X

The MoS Railways said the project has been spearheaded under the guidance of Chief Administrative Officer Sandeep Gupta, whose leadership has been pivotal in overcoming the challenges of this ambitious endeavor. “The combined efforts of IRCON International Limited, responsible for the construction, and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) for its technical expertise, have turned this engineering dream into reality,” he further wrote.

“What made this visit truly special was meeting the hardworking and dedicated workforce behind this project. Their relentless effort, precision, and passion are the true foundation of this engineering wonder,” he said.

He added that on the stretch from Katra to Banihal, there are eight escape tunnels spanning a total length of 67 km.

These tunnels are equipped with motorable roads for quick access and evacuation, PA systems for emergency communication, CCTV surveillance for constant monitoring, lay-bys for crossing vehicles and tunnel drainage systems for efficient water management.