Fresh snowfall triggers cold wave conditions in Bhaderwah

Fresh snowfall was experienced in upper reaches of mountainous belt of Bhadarwah in Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir after four days of torrential rain.
There was a fresh snowfall in Kailash Mountain Range, Padri Gali, Bhaal Padri, Braid Baal, Nehyed Chilly and Asha Pati Glacier surrounding Bhadarwah in the district since yesterday, official said today.
Plains of the district witnessed heavy rainfall, they added.
The cold wave condition forced people to remain indoors and light up bonfires and traditional 'Bukharies' (fire place) to keep themselves warm in unseasonal cold weather.
"We have been trying to resist the severe cold condition since last three days but last night we were left with no other option but to lit the fire place which was not in use since April. In my life, I have never felt to lit fire place in June," Abdul Qayoom Mughal a resident of Dhareja Bhaderwah said.

Nomads who have started reaching the meadows in the higher reaches of Bhadarwah with their cattle for summer grazing seem to be the worst sufferer of the fresh snowfall as dozens of sheep have died.

"I along with my cattle and 18 family members including 12 females have reached Padri meadow few days back as temperature in my native place Dhanore in Kathua has soared but due to unseasonal snowfall and bone chilling winds, I have already lost ten sheep," nomad Mohd Farooq Bogda said.
"Now I fear for my family members especially toddlers and elders as we have no other option but to face this weather in tented accommodation," he said, adding, that they have been coming in Padri meadow to graze their sheep in summers since last 40 years but have never witnessed such cold condition and snowfall in the month of June.

Nearly 10,000 nomads including Gujjars and Bakerwals reside in the meadows in the higher reaches of Bhadarwah valley and other parts of Doda during summers to graze their cattle.
Meanwhile, the fresh spell of snowfall will have a negative impact on the agriculture and horticulture sectors of the area, an official said.