Dal Lake frozen due to cold wave in Srinagar
By ANIWednesday, December 29, 2010
SRINAGAR - Intense cold wave in Srinagar has frozen the famous Dal Lake with a thick sheet of ice.
Tourists and residents wrapped woollens and lit bon fires to warmed themselves.
The district snow control rooms have predicted more snowfall in the region over the next two days.
Many tourists were seen enjoying the view of the frozen Dal Lake, while others warmed their hands using traditional fire pots known as Kangri.
“Here it is really cold. And the Dal Lake has been frozen. Otherwise, the environment is good and it is cold. It felt really nice to see the weather here. The frozen Dal Lake also looks good. But people are saying it is comparatively less and it will freeze after a few days,” said Suresh Kumar, a tourist.
Srinagar has been experiencing a temperature ranging between minus 6.0 and minus 5.0 degrees Celsius.
Residents are eagerly waiting for the snowfall, as the extending dry period results in cold-related diseases among children and the elderly, and also means a tough season ahead for agriculture and horticulture sectors.
“This year it is very cold. The Dal Lake has also frozen. We pray to God that it should rain and it is so cold that we are falling ill. We can’t get out of our houses also,” said Nazir Ahmed, a taxi driver.
The mercury in most part of the valley region has touched the sub zero point. y Fayaz Ahmad (ANI)