Met issues fresh weather advisory for Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 24: Jammu and Kashmir braces for much-awaited rains and snow to end extended dry spell. While the weatherman has forecast mainly dry weather and shallow to moderate fog over the plains of Jammu division, Isolated to fairly widespread light rain and snow has been predicted for subsequent two days.

The MeT office has also issued an advisory in wake of the weather system from January 28-31, saying that the same 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,” a meteorological department official said in a statement to GNS.

One Feb 1, he said, there is possibility of light rain/snow at scattered places.

Regarding temperature, , he said, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 5.3°C against minus 5.0°C on previous night and it was 3.0°C below normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 5.4°C against minus 4.8°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 1.5°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 6.3°C against minus 6.2°C on the previous night and it was 1.2°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 2.3°C against minus 1.5°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 1.3°C for the place, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.3°C against minus 4.9°C on the previous night and it was 1.6°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 4.8°C against minus 4.0°C on the previous night and the temperature was 2.9°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.

Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 2.3°C against 5.0°C on the previous night, and it was below normal by 5.3°C for the winter capital of J&K.

Banihal recorded a low of minus 1.8°C, Batote 1.5°C and Bhaderwah minus 1.0°C, he said.

Kashmir valley is under ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter, which will end on January 29. However it does not mean an end to the winter. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that occurs between January 30 and February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)

ACB arrests SDH Sopore official in bribery case

Sopore, Jan 24: The Anti-Corruption Branch on Wednesday said it arrested an official of sub district hospital Sopore for demanding and accepting bribe for issuing a birth certificate.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said that ACB arrested one Mehraj U Din Wani while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 3,600 from one Farooq Ahmad Misger.

He said that Misger approached Wani to get birth certificate issued for his daughter, and Wani taking advantage of his position demanded the bribe.

The official said that further investigating into the case has been initiated—(KNO)

Chilling Temperatures Grip Kashmir and Ladakh: Record-Breaking Cold Sweeps the Region

As winter tightens its grip on the northern regions of India, Kashmir and Ladakh are experiencing bone-chilling temperatures that have broken previous records. The minimum temperatures recorded today paint a picture of an exceptionally cold spell, affecting daily life and posing challenges for residents.

Kashmir Region:

1. Srinagar: -5.3°C
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed a frigid -5.3°C, making it one of the coldest days in recent memory.

2. Qazigund: -5.4°C
Qazigund, a town in the Anantnag district, reported a similarly frosty -5.4°C, indicating the widespread nature of the cold wave.

3. Pahalgam: -6.3°C
Pahalgam, known for its picturesque landscapes, recorded a bone-chilling -6.3°C, attracting both concern and awe from locals.

4. Gulmarg: -4.8°C
The famous ski resort of Gulmarg experienced a biting -4.8°C, highlighting the challenges faced by winter sports enthusiasts.

5. Anantnag: -6.8°C
Anantnag, situated on the banks of the Jhelum River, recorded -6.8°C, reflecting the severity of the cold spell.

6. Bandipora: -7.9°C
Bandipora witnessed one of the lowest temperatures in the region at -7.9°C, affecting agriculture and daily routines.

Jammu Region:

1. Jammu: 2.3°C
Even the relatively warmer Jammu region experienced a chilly 2.3°C, emphasizing the widespread impact of the cold wave.

2. Banihal: -1.8°C
Banihal, a town on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, faced a freezing -1.8°C, causing concerns for commuters and residents.

3. Katra: 4.6°C
The base for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, Katra, reported a cool 4.6°C, prompting pilgrims to brace for the cold during their journeys.

Ladakh:

1. Leh: -11.5°C
Leh, the high-altitude desert, experienced an astonishingly low -11.5°C, underlining the extreme weather conditions that residents endure.

2. Kargil: -10.1°C
Kargil, with its rugged terrain, recorded -10.1°C, emphasizing the resilience required by the local population in coping with such harsh climates.

While these temperatures bring the enchanting beauty of winter to the region, they also raise concerns about the impact on daily life, agriculture, and infrastructure. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions to stay warm, and authorities are on high alert to address any challenges posed by this record-breaking cold wave.

As the winter season progresses, the people of Kashmir and Ladakh will undoubtedly continue to face the unique challenges presented by the relentless cold, showcasing their resilience in the face of nature’s extremes.

Compiled by: Kashmir Weather

Dry spell: J&K admin writes to GoI, seeks deferment of Khelo India Edition-4

Let’s see how weather behaves: Secy Y&SS; all arrangements finalized, waiting for snowfall, says Secy J&K Sports Council

Srinagar, Jan 23 (KNO): Amidst the prolonged dry spell in Jammu & Kashmir, the authorities in Jammu & Kashmir have written to the Government of India (GoI), seeking the deferment of five-day Khelo India Edition-4, sources said on Tuesday. However, the officials said that all the arrangements have been finalized and all eyes are on snowfall to have a successful event in Kashmir.

As per the officials, the fourth edition of Khelo India is slated to commence from February 02-06.

Sources privy to the development told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that while the scheduled dates are inching closer, the event would unlikely take place on the particular dates due to the absence of snowfall at the world-famous ski-resort Gulmarg.

Pertinently, Kashmir Valley has not witnessed any wet spell for the last nearly two months amidst the ongoing 40-day harshest winter period, Chillai-Kalan, which commenced on December 21, 2023 and will end on January 31, 2024.

Reliable sources said that to ensure a successful event, adequate precipitation in the shape of snowfall is imperative so that sports events can be organized at the venue.

“Although the snowfall is expected by the end of this month, it would take time to set the stage for different events, slated to be held under the five-day Khelo India,” they said.

Speaking to KNO, Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary for Youth Services and Sports, said a decision on Khelo India national winter games will be made after a thorough review of forecast parameters, snow precipitation and subsequent weather conditions.

“The decision will be taken at an appropriate time. I would not like to speculate prior on any of the happenings. We don’t know how the weather is going to behave. We are watching the weather reports,” he said.

In response to the possibility of a curtailed schedule for the winter games, Sarmad said, “It is too early to talk about the curtailing or not curtailing the game schedule. There is no such proposal at present.”

Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council Secretary, Nuzhat Gul told KNO that they have finalized all the arrangements for the event. She said hotels have been booked and other mandatory arrangements made to ensure the event is successful.

The Secretary Sports Council added that all eyes are now on the snowfall while the required mandatory arrangements have been already completed.

The weatherman here has predicted the possibility of light to moderate snowfall in J&K from January 29-31.

The first edition of Khelo India National Winter Games 2020 was successfully conducted at Gulmarg from March 07 to 11, 2020, in which more than 1000 participants from across the country participated.

The second edition was held in 2021, while in 2022, the third edition was postponed amid the surge in COVID-19-positive cases across the country.

Later, the third edition of Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg was organised in 2023 in which over 2000 participants including players, tourists and officials of different departments participated—(KNO)