Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar Jan 12: Kashmir is almost halfway through its harshest 40-day winter known as Chilla-i-Kalan. But lack of snowfall during this period, both in plains as well as higher reaches, has worried people whose livelihood is dependent on tourism.
Sonamarg which was generally snow-covered at this time of the year is dry with barren slopes of the meadows.
People associated with the tourism industry are worried that no snowfall in Kashmir in winter would adversely affect their livelihood.
Irshad Ahmad, a snow biker, said that he is worried about the lack of snow that has rendered him without work.
President Beopar Mandal Sonamarg Shabir Ahmad said that due to dry spell, people who are dependent on tourism were hit.
Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) Ilyas Ahmad said that many tourists have cancelled their booking 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.
