Dry winter plays spoilsport, keeps international, domestic tourists away from Kashmir

70 per cent Houseboats empty; Adventure tourism at risk in absence of snow; this was the time when tourists from South East Asia would arrive in Valley, Only 30 per cent occupancy at present; no major impact of dry weather on water level in Dal lake yet: Prez HBOA

Srinagar, Jan 16 (KNO): As the dry spell continues in Kashmir in the Chilla-e-Kalaan, the 40-day harsh winter period, the snow-loving tourists, both foreign and domestic, have decided to stay away from the Valley. There is only 30 percent occupancy in houseboats in Srinagar which signifies how the dry spell has started to hit Kashmir’s tourism sector.

News Agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) has learnt that the majority of the foreign and domestic tourists have either put their Kashmir visit on hold or cancelled the same. As per the tour operators and stakeholders associated with the tourism, this was the time when tourists from South East Asia and other foreign countries would prefer to stay in Kashmir but dry weather has played a spoilsport.

“Majority of houseboat bookings have either been cancelled or put on hold by international and domestic guests,” said Manzoor Pakhtoo, President of the House Boat Owners Association (HBOA), Kashmir.

He said that 70 per cent houseboats in both Dal and Nigeen lakes are empty. “At present there is only 30 per cent occupancy which is lowest ever as far as winter tourism is concerned. Houseboats used to be abuzz with the Malaysian tourists besides domestic tourists in the months of January,” said Pakthoon. He expressed concern over the prolonged dry spell. “The tourists who would come in January were all adventure lovers and for adventure tourism, snow is the first requirement. I believe adventure tourism is in danger as there is no snow,” he said.

Last year, 55000 tourists visited J&K while total tourist arrivals were 2.12 Crore. This year, the administration is eyeing 3 crore tourists, but dry winter is posing a big threat to tourist arrivals.

Asked whether the dry spell has resulted in decrease in the water level in Dal and Nigeen lakes, Pakhtoon said that so far there is no major impact of dry weather on the water level in Dal and Nigeen. “But yes, if winter passes without snow, Dal lake would obviously face issues as well,” he said.

It may be recalled that houseboat owners are already facing huge challenges as there is a blanket ban on construction of new houseboats while repairing involves a lot of technical issues, which house boat owners don’t prefer. At present the number of houseboats have shrunk to just 750 from 1200 in 2013.

Majority of Dal dwellers say snow is must to keep Dal Lake with adequate water. “Godforbid, if winter passes without downpour and snow, the admin must start dredging of Dal Lake,” said Ali Muhammad, who lives in Nishat area of Srinagar—(KNO).

R-Day Celebrations: LG To Take Salute At Main Function At Jammu, Advisor to LG At Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 16 (GNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will take salute at Main function at Maulana Azad Stadium Jammu while Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar will preside over the celebrations at Srinagar.

The DDC Chairpersons’, as per an order copy available with GNS, will take salute at main function in respective district headquarters’.

The SDM/Tehsildar/Senior most civil officer to be nominated by the Deputy Commissioner concerned at respective sub-divisional/tehsil/municipal headquarters. (GNS)

Srinagar, Jan 16: Amid forecast for dry weather, minimum temperature recorded a fall with Srinagar recording a low of minus 4.6°C on Tuesday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS that temperature was three notches below the previous night’s minus 4.3° and 2.5°C below normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 4.4°C against minus 4.2°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 1.1°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 5.44°C against minus 5.6°C on the previous night and it was 1.8°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 2.0°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 4.4°C against minus 4.1°C on the previous night and it was 1.3°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 3.1°C against minus 2.8°C on the previous night and the temperature was 4.6°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.

Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 2.3°C against 2.5°C on previous night, and it was below normal by 4.8°C for the winter capital of J&K.

Banihal recorded a low of minus 0.6°C, Batote 3.0°C and Bhaderwah 0.4°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.

Weatherman has ruled out significant weather activity till January 24 in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Dry weather is likely to continue till January 24 with feeble WDs approaching on 16th and 20th evening,” the MeT official said.

Under the influence of these WDs, he said, generally cloudy weather with light rain and snow over “isolated middle & higher reaches is expected during January 16th & 20th night.”
He said overall there is no significant weather activity expected till January 24.

At the same time, the official said that as per indications of different models, there is possibility of light rain and snow at “scattered” places from 25-27. “Will update in coming days more clearly,” he said. (GNS)