SRINAGAR: Kashmir is almost halfway through its harshest 40-day winter, known as Chilla-i-Kalan. However, the lack of snowfall during this period, both in plains and higher reaches, has worried people whose livelihood depends on tourism.
Sonamarg, which is generally snow-covered at this time of the year, is dry with barren slopes of the meadows. People associated with the tourism industry are concerned that no snowfall in Kashmir during winter would adversely affect their livelihood.
Irshad Ahmad, a snow biker, said that he is worried about the lack of snow, which has left him without work.
President Beopar Mandal Sonamarg, Shabir Ahmad said that due to the dry spell, people dependent on tourism were hit. Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) Ilyas Ahmad said that many tourists have cancelled their bookings in the face of no snow.
“We are organising additional winter games like ice sketching on the higher reaches so that tourists visiting Sonamarg can enjoy it better. The flow of tourists is overall at an average,” he added. (KNO)
