SRINAGAR: The snowless winter in Kashmir has kept the residents of border areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir connected by road with the rest of the valley, a situation uncommon during heavy snowfall.
The snowless landscape has not only allowed for unhindered road connectivity but has also enabled residents to carry out agricultural activities, a situation unusual for this time of the year.
Residents said the border areas typically receive substantial snowfall. They said the prolonged dry weather has, for the first time in decades, kept the border areas connected by road to the rest of the valley.
This unique situation has permitted agricultural activities to continue for the past month, which would typically be hampered by heavy snowfall.
Ahmadullah Khan, a local resident, expressed concern about water shortages in various LoC areas, such as PTL, Kilshay, Budaaab, Zidgay, and Kashpath areas of Gurez. While these areas usually receive spring-based water supply, the persistent dry conditions have led to some degree of water scarcity, he said.
Muzaffar Ahmad, another resident, said there has been no snow cricket in Gurez Valley this year due to the lack of snowfall. “For the first time in my life, I am witnessing the region, which is usually covered in snow, being snowless,” he said.
While plains in Kashmir experienced dryness in the past, the border areas consistently received substantial snowfall. This year marks a departure from the norm, with both plains and border areas witnessing the same dry conditions, raising concerns among residents.
Residents from the border town of Kupwara said while the dry weather has maintained their connection with the rest of the Kashmir Valley, they miss the harsh winter for which the border areas were known.
Despite the current benefits of road connectivity and continued agricultural activities, people have expressed concerns about the problems arising during April and May, which are crucial months for agricultural activities.
Zaheer Ahmad, a local from Kupwara, said there has been bud swelling in several plants due to the high daytime temperatures in these areas, signalling potential challenges ahead.(KNO)
