Jammu and Kashmir: Vaishno Devi covered in snow as season’s first snowfall hits Trikuta Hills

The scenic Bhaderwah Valley also received its first snowfall of the season on Friday morning, delighting residents who had waited eagerly for snow. Roads, streets, and surrounding hills were transformed into a white wonderland, while cold weather intensified, prompting locals to take precautions.

Authorities, including Bhaderwah Police and the district administration, issued helpline numbers and advised travellers to exercise caution, especially while heading to higher reaches. The hill resort town of Batote in Jammu district also reported heavy snowfall.

Other popular hill resorts in Jammu province — including Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar, and Batote — experienced the season’s first snow, ending a long dry spell. The snowfall has brought cheer to those dependent on tourism, including hoteliers, taxi drivers, mule and horse owners, photographers, shopkeepers, and vendors.

Residents woke up to find their homes and surroundings blanketed in snow. Meteorologists had predicted rainfall starting around midnight in Jammu province, which intensified and turned into snow at higher elevations.

Experts say the rainfall and snowfall are expected to recharge hydel project reservoirs, increase power generation, restore groundwater levels, and revive springs and wells, benefiting fruit and vegetable production. The precipitation may also improve air quality, reducing dust and pollution.

The snowfall is expected to attract tourists, including pilgrims visiting Mata Shri Vaishno Devi Shrine, giving a boost to the local tourism economy, which has been affected by past incidents such as the Pahalgam massacre, Operation Sindoor, and heavy rains. The influx of snow enthusiasts will help hoteliers, vendors, and small businesses recover some of their losses.

However, safety remains a concern. According to SSP Traffic Police, National Highway, Raja Adil Hamid, traffic on NH44 has been stopped at safer locations due to ongoing rains and snow, as slippery roads pose a risk.

Uttarakhand sees widespread rain, snowfall: Kedarnath temple painted in white

High-altitude regions of Uttarakhand received the season’s first snowfall on Friday, ending a prolonged dry spell and intensifying the cold wave across the state, while steady rain lashed the plains, including the state capital Dehradun.

(With ANI inputs)

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