Fresh snowfall and rainfall on Thursday brought much-needed relief to the Bhaderwah Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, raising hopes for the region's tourism and agriculture sectors after a prolonged dry spell.
Following a largely dry February and the first eleven days of March with very little precipitation, the recent spell of rain and snow, starting early in the morning, brought cheer among locals, particularly those involved in tourism and farming.
While the plains of the Bhaderwah valley experienced rainfall since around 5 a.m., the higher reaches received fresh snowfall, including popular tourist destinations such as Guldanda, Chattergalla, Padri Pass, Jatani, Subar Dhar, Kailash Kund, Ashapati Glacier, and Rehoshra.
Locals said that the fresh snowfall, following a slow winter season due to lack of snow, is expected to increase interest in scenic spots such as Jaie, Padri, Bhal Padri, and Subar Dhar. Snow-covered landscapes in areas like Guldanda and Chattergalla have already started attracting visitors, resulting in improved hotel occupancy.
The precipitation has also helped reduce the rainfall deficit in the region, bringing relief to farmers and fruit growers who were concerned about the impact of a dry winter on crops.
