J&K, Jan 23: The holy Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district witnessed its first snowfall of the season on Thursday, covering the Trikuta Hills in a blanket of pristine white, transforming the pilgrimage route into a beautiful winter landscape.
On Friday morning, Jammu and Kashmir's scenic Bhaderwah Valley also received its first snowfall, bringing joy to the long-awaiting residents. The snowfall covered the roads and streets of Bhaderwah in a thick white blanket, enhancing the town's natural beauty. Cold weather intensified as well, prompting locals to take necessary precautions against the chill.
Bhaderwah Police and the district administration have issued helplines and advised people to be cautious, especially while traveling to higher altitudes. The nearby hill resort town of Batote in Jammu district also received heavy snowfall.
Other popular hill resorts in Jammu province, including Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar, and Batote, also experienced the first snowfall of the season. This not only ended a long dry spell but also brought relief and joy to those dependent on tourism, such as hoteliers, taxi drivers, mule and horse owners, photographers, shopkeepers, and vendors in these areas. Many woke up to find a beautiful white blanket of snow surrounding their homes.
As forecasted by meteorologists, rainfall began around midnight in Jammu province and gradually increased in intensity, turning into snowfall at higher altitudes. This rainfall is expected to have several positive impacts, including replenishing the water levels in hydropower project reservoirs, which had seen a significant drop in generation. Additionally, it will help recharge groundwater levels, benefiting agriculture by reviving springs and wells (Baoilies), which are essential for fruit and vegetable production. The snow will also help clear atmospheric pollution and dust, improving air quality.
Tourist activity in these hill resorts is expected to surge, especially among visitors to the Vaishno Devi Shrine, who are eager to experience the snow. This influx of tourists will provide a much-needed boost to the tourism sector, which had suffered due to recent challenges such as the Pahalgam massacre in April, followed by Operation Sindhoor and rain-related disasters. The increase in visitors will help offset financial losses for hoteliers and other stakeholders, while also providing livelihoods for vendors and small business owners.
However, due to the ongoing rains and snow, traffic has been halted at certain points along National Highway 44 as a safety measure to prevent accidents due to slippery road conditions, as confirmed by SSP Traffic Police, Raja Adil Hamid.
