kashmir

Several roads in far-off areas of Kashmir closed, while flights were delayed at Srinagar airport, after Kashmir valley received fresh snowfall. An official has said that Srinagar recorded rain and snowfall of 7.1 mm since overnight till morning of January 4. Notably, Kashmir valley is currently under the grip of 40 day long harsh period of winter,  which will be followed by a 20 day long "Chilla Baccha".

Kashmir Police registered cognizance case and started investigation of a mysterious death, on January 2. A 45-year-old carpenter identified as Rameez Ahmad Beigh was found dead in Budgam under mysterious circumstances, in an under construction building in Humhama area. He was rushed to SMHS hospital by his colleagues, where doctors declared him brought dead. 

Administration in Srinagar, Kashmir retrieved over 46 Kanal and 17 Marla State Land, worth Rs 25 crore, during a massive anti-encroachment drive. Launched on the directions of Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz, the land encroachment drive would be conducted sternly as per law & order. The DC sought cooperation of people in its action against encroachments. 

Temperature in the Kashmir valley will drop further over the next few days, said officials on December 30. Reportedly, the minimum temperature in Kupwara in north Kashmir reached minus 4.4 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department also predicted light rain/snow at a few places for two days starting from January 1. However, the valley is witnessing Chilla-i-Kalan or the harshest 40-day winter which begins on December 21. 

The lowest temperatures have leveled off below freezing throughout Kashmir, including Srinagar which recorded the coldest night of the winter season so far. Srinagar recorded minus 2.5 degrees Celsius on November 30, while Gulmarg recorded minus 1.6 degrees Celsius. Qazigund witnessed a minus 3.3 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the MET declared that the weather is likely to remain dry but cold until December 3.