Srinagar (The Hawk): The police on Thursday rescued three tourists who were stranded in the Afarwat heights of Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg ski resort.&nbsp;
After learning about the stranded visitors on Wednesday evening, a rescue team hastened to the region, according to police sources.
According to the sources, Bharadwaj, Raju, and Ananya, three visitors who were saved, are all residents of Hyderabad.
"The travellers praised the cops for saving them in a timely manner. They admitted that they got disoriented after heading in the direction of the cable car (gondola)."
(Inputs from Agencies)

The police on Thursday rescued three tourists who were stranded in the Afarwat heights of Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg ski resort.

Police rescue 3 visitors who were trapped in Gulmarg

New Delhi (The Hawk): The case of the uncounted leases in Srinagar, J&amp;K, has the potential to turn Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes upside down. The narrative of government property leases in Kashmir was one of the most deep puzzles the master detective had ever encountered.
It's interesting to note that two Kashmiris launched a tenacious campaign against the theft of state-owned land in Kashmir, and they have been engaged in protracted court battles against all obstacles and threats ever since.
PIL 14 of 2012 was filed by Mohammad Rafiq Zargar of Gulmarg against the state of J&amp;K.
The PIL demanded information and factors that were taken into account when leases were granted on government property in Gulmarg.
Another Kashmiri, Pahalgam Peoples Welfare Organisation versus the State of J&amp;K, filed PIL 484 of 2010 on their behalf. The petitioner had requested information regarding lease allocations and the factors taken into account in such allocations in Pahalgam.
The goal of these locals' campaign was to get the government to be transparent about lease allocations in Kashmir's various health resorts and cities and towns.
The information is shocking, if not downright frightening.
"Dr. Farooq Abdullah, a former chief minister, was given leases on 9 kanals and 14 marlas and 6 kanals and 13 marlas in Srinagar's Sonwar neighbourhood under survey numbers 8 and 8/1, respectively.
The former chief minister is still in ownership of the land. Similar to this, the late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, father of Dr. Farooq, acquired 11 Kanals and 5 Marlas in Srinagar's Kothibagh neighbourhood. The lease in this case expired on October 11, 2020, yet the tenants of the late Sheikh who own the property are still occupying it illegally and operating stores there.
Raman Mattoo, a former minister, and others were given 14 Kanals on Gupkar Road to rent. The site is still being illegally used by the former minister even though the contract terminated on July 16, 2008.
The 6 Kanals and 7 Marlas in the Kothibagh area were leased to Bakshi Bashir Ahmad, the son of the previous chief minister of J&amp;K, Bakshi Gulam Mohammad.
The legal successors of the lessee have still not given up possession of the land, despite the fact that the lease expired in 2002, having lasted the full 99 years allowed by land lease legislation, according to reports.
28 Kanals and 16 Marlas of property close to Lal Chowk in the city centre were leased out to Tyndall Biscoe and Mallinson society.
The society has been occupying the site unlawfully since the lease terminated on March 14, 2015.
On February 9, 2018, a report alleging that the society had broken the lease's terms was delivered to the deputy commissioner (Srinagar) under the reference number AC-443/N.
According to senior government officials, "the J&amp;K criminal branch is also looking into the situation."
To M/S Kashmir Talkies, a lease for one kanal of land in Lal Chowk was granted (Palladium Cinema). On November 27, 2004, the lease came to an end.
In the Rajbagh neighbourhood of Srinagar, 165 Kanals and 13 Marlas were leased by the Silk Factory, Drug Research Laboratory, and HARCO (Rahim and Co).
Although the lease was over in July 1971, the tenants are still in illegal possession of the land.
The same sources said that S. Prithpal Singh had a lease on 2 Kanals and 19 Marlas of public property in Srinagar's Gogji Bagh neighbourhood that expired in 2003. The lessee continues to occupy the land illegally.
"In a similar manner, 10 Kanals and 6 Marlas in the Kothibagh area were leased to one Dewan Nand Lal and others; the lease ended on October 11, 2020, but the lessee has not yet given up ownership of the property.
According to additional sources, "M/S D.P. Bhosla Pvt Limited was assigned 30 Kanals of public land in the Pantha Chowk area and the lease terminated in 2007 without the successors-in-interest relinquishing the possession."
15 Kanals and 8 Marlas were given to one Sardar Ganda Singh. Despite the expiration of the lease, the original lessee's successors continue to hold possession.
In the Shaheed Gunj neighbourhood of Srinagar, one Ram Nath Kapoor received a lease for 11 Kanals and 2 Marlas; the contract terminated in 1958 without the lessee turning over control to the government.
Top sources claimed that majority of these beneficiaries would have to give up prime parcels of land that were being utilised for business purposes once the Land Grants Rules 2022 were put into effect.
The Pandora's Box is there. The notification of land grants regulations 2022 by the UT government, according to sources, "has already lifted the lid off this box.
(Inputs from Agencies)

The case of the uncounted leases in Srinagar, J&K, has the potential to turn Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes upside down. The narrative of government property leases in Kashmir was one of the most deep puzzles the master detective had ever encountered.

Sherlock Holmes require 3 lives to investigate the land loot case in Srinagar

Srinagar News: The weather was cloudy in J&amp;K during the last 24 hours as the MeT office said on Monday that light rain or thunderstorms are likely during the next 24 hours.

"Generally cloudy sky with chances of light rain/thunderstorms likely in J&amp;K during next 24 hours," said an official of the Meteorological (MeT) department.

Srinagar had 7.9, Pahalgam 3 and Gulmarg 0.5 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature.

Drass town in Ladakh region had minus 0.5, Kargil 3.6 and Leh minus 2.5 as the minimum temperature.

Jammu had 16.3, Katra 14, Batote 9, Banihal 7.5 and Bhaderwah 6.3 as the minimum temperature. IANS

The weather was cloudy in J&K during the last 24 hours as the MeT office said on Monday that light rain or thunderstorms are likely during the next 24 hours.

Rain, thunderstorms likely in J&K today

Doda (Jammu and Kashmir): A fresh spell of snowfall blanketed the Bhaderwah area in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Friday. With the tourist season approaching, snow clearance operations in Jammu and Kashmir are also going to be started on a large scale.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/jj.webp" alt="snow clearance operations in Jammu and Kashmir" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>
Meanwhile, a snow clearance operation was launched by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on the Tanghdar Road in the Kupwara district of North Kashmir.
<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/j2.webp" alt="Bhaderwah Tehsildar Umar Jahanzeb" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

Speaking to ANI on the fresh snowfall in the district on Friday, Bhaderwah Tehsildar Umar Jahanzeb said, "Since the tourist season is about to begin and snowfall is going to play a major role in attracting tourists, we will make efforts to clear the roads." "I came here to check on the situation. The work to clear the roads will begin soon," he added. Earlier on Thursday, world-famous tourist and skiing destination Gulmarg received a fresh snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district. The snow-laden mountains, trees, and naked branches adorned with snow attracted spectators from different parts of the country. The Kashmir Valley and regions of Ladakh have witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall in the higher reaches, while the plains have faced an onslaught of heavy rains. The temperature across the valley has dropped significantly due to the weather change. The snowfall season in Kashmir starts in December and lasts until February. This year (2023), the upper mountains of Kashmir received the season's first snowfall in late September.
—ANI

A fresh spell of snowfall blanketed the Bhaderwah area in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Friday.

J-K: Fresh spell of snow blankets Doda district; snow clearance ops begins

Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: World-famous tourist destination Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to receive a huge influx of tourists in the coming months, especially on New Year. The Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) along with other administrative wings and tourism players gears up properly for a successful winter tourist season. People from across the world visit Gulmarg during peak months of winter. The government is ready to welcome tourists by providing them with all needed facilities. Gulmarg, which is one of the most incredible tourist destinations, is famous for its eye-catching view during the snowfall season as well as the season of lupine flowers, which usually begins in mid-June and lasts until the end of July.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/imd-issues-dense-fog-alert-for-northwest-parts-of-adjoining-central-india-for-another-3-4-days" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/imd-issues-dense-fog-alert-for-northwest-parts-of-adjoining-central-india-for-another-3-4-days</a>&nbsp;
Snowfall and other adventure activities including skiing, snow skating, snow cycling and the Khelo India event, organised by the J&amp;K sports council, youth sports and services and the Department of Tourism increase tourists' attraction towards Gulmarg. Hoteliers have already received guidelines from administrators regarding good arrangements including furnishing, proper electricity heating, arrangements, regular hot water supply and quality food at their restaurants. Meanwhile tourists dressed as Santa Claus marked Christmas Day celebrations in Gulamrg, Tourists also made their way to a picture perfect St. Mary Church in Gulmarg to celebrate the festival. Members of the Christian Community headed by Father Eric and Father Venoo held a prayer ceremony at the Church and prayed for the welfare of all the people of the valley and for a peaceful new year ahead.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/g1.webp" alt="St. Mary Church in Gulmarg" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

"Guess who came to #Gulmarg to celebrate #Christmas Eve? After all, what better place to celebrate the #holiday season? Join us for the new year festivities in #Jammu &amp; #Kashmir! #Christmas2023 #newyear #snow #winter #travelling #SeasonsGreetings" posted JK Tourism on X. Taxi operators and other service providers have received instructions from the government regarding proper services to tourists and maintaining the rates so that they too can earn their livelihood during the winter tourist season. Meanwhile, Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar has become a major tourist attraction offering panoramic views of the city. Tourists are enjoying the serene weather taking strolls around the Ghanta Ghar and taking selfies. The fog adds an element of mystery and romance to the experience, as the tower looms in and out of sight adding to the charm of the surroundings. The soft light filtering through the fog creates a dreamlike setting, making it a memorable and picturesque experience for all those who visit.
—ANI

World-famous tourist destination Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to receive a huge influx of tourists in the coming months

Gulmarg: Heavy tourist footfall during Christmas holidays signifies successful tourist season for JK

Srinagar: Minimum temperatures in several parts of Kashmir have dropped below the minus three degrees Celsius-mark as a cold wave sweeps the region.
Kashmir is currently in the grip of "Chilla-i-Kalan", a 40-day harsh winter period, when temperatures drop considerably leading to freezing of water bodies, including the Dal Lake, as well as water in supply lines.  The chances of snowfall are the highest during this period and most areas, especially the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall. "Chilla-i-Kalan" will end on January 31 and will be followed by the 20-day "Chilla-i-Khurd" and the 10-day "Chilla-i-Bachha".
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/134-flights-delayed-22-trains-running-late-as-dense-fog-grips-delhi" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/134-flights-delayed-22-trains-running-late-as-dense-fog-grips-delhi</a>&nbsp;
The minimum temperature dropped to minus 3.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday night in Srinagar from Tuesday night's minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, officials said.  The visibility in Srinagar city and its adjoining areas was below 50 metres for the second day due to dense fog. The transport department has issued an advisory for motorists in the city and termed foggy conditions the worst in recent memory.  Though fog has not affected operations at the Srinagar International Airport, but flights arriving from other cities in north India, including Delhi, are delayed due to bad weather conditions there, according to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/%22shardul-prasidh-would-have-been-las...%22:-shastri-slams-rohit's-bizarre-tactics-on-day-2-of-sa-test" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/%22shardul-prasidh-would-have-been-las...%22:-shastri-slams-rohit's-bizarre-tactics-on-day-2-of-sa-test</a>&nbsp;
Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius on Wednesday night, down from the previous night's minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, the officials said.  Gulmarg, a famous ski resort in Baramulla, recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, slightly up from the previous night's minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, they said.  Qazigund recorded a low of minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, Kokernag town minus 2 degrees Celsius and Kupwara minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, the officials said.
—PTI

Minimum temperatures in several parts of Kashmir have dropped below the minus three degrees Celsius-mark as a cold wave sweeps the region.

Minimum temperature drops below minus 3 degree Celsius in parts of Kashmir

Srinagar: Cold wave conditions prevailed in Kashmir valley with the minimum temperature remaining below the freezing point, the weather office said on Tuesday.
A thin layer of ice has formed over the surface of the Dal Lake as the minimum temperature in Srinagar on Monday night was minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, officials said.  The residents of the lake, who live in houseboats, had a tough time breaking the ice layer while roving their boats towards the banks.  Water supply pipes have frozen in many areas of Kashmir due to extreme cold wave conditions.  Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, down from the previous night's minus 5.7 degrees Celsius, they said.  Gulmarg skiing resort in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4 degrees Celsius, the officials said.  Qazigund recorded a low of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius while Kokernag town saw the minimum settled at minus 2.7 degrees Celsius and Kupwara recorded a minimum of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius.  Kashmir has been going through a prolonged dry spell with no precipitation forecast over the next six days, the officials said, adding December month was 79 per cent deficit on rainfall.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/delhi:-cold-wave-chills-capital-to-the-bone-ridge-area-logs-minimum-temperature-at-0.3c-imd-sees-no-respite" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/delhi:-cold-wave-chills-capital-to-the-bone-ridge-area-logs-minimum-temperature-at-0.3c-imd-sees-no-respite</a>  There has been no snowfall in most plain area of Kashmir while upper reaches of the valley have also received lesser than usual amount of snow by the end of December.  The open skies have resulted in the minimum temperature sliding further in most parts, including Srinagar, the officials said.  Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chilla-i-Kalan' -- the 40-day harshest winter period when a cold wave grips the region and the temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies, including the Dal Lake as well as the water supply lines in several parts of the valley.  The chances of snowfall are the highest during this period and most areas, especially the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall.  'Chilla-i-Kalan' ended on January 31.  However, the cold conditions will continue with a 20-day-long 'Chilla-i-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day-long 'Chilla-i-Bachha' (baby cold).
—PTI

Cold wave conditions prevailed in Kashmir valley with the minimum temperature remaining below the freezing point, the weather office said on Tuesday.

Water bodies across Kashmir freeze, minimum stays below freezing point

Gulmarg, J&amp;K: For Russian tourist Andrew, the wait for snowfall to try his skiing skills on the slopes of Apharwat in this famous ski resort of north Kashmir was worth it.
The picturesque Gulmarg, known for its breathtaking landscapes and world-class skiing slopes, has become a hotspot for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts' alike after the recent snowfall that ended over two months of dry spell.  The lack of snow during peak winter left the people connected with tourism disappointed as winter sports lovers waited eagerly to see the locale turned white which finally happened towards the end of January, bringing cheers on the faces of both the locals and the tourists.
"It's big pleasure to ski here. In my country, we have similar landscapes but not such high mountains. However, here it is something new, something different like the culture, the view and higher peaks," Andrew, who is in his late 30's, told PTI here.  Andrew lamented that he had to face disappointment and put his visit to the Valley on hold in view of the prolonged dry weather conditions and snow-less mountains.  "I arrived on January 18 and expected a lot of snow. However, there was no snowfall and I had to wait for a long time to witness one. I travelled to Chandigarh, Shimla and Dharamshala just waiting for proper conditions. I am happy being here now," he said.  Like Andrew, hundreds of tourists from the country and abroad are visiting the famous ski resort to enjoy their time with families in the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of Gulmarg, around 50 km from the summer capital Srinagar.  With the arrival of fresh snow, tourists from far and wide are flocking to Gulmarg to experience the thrill of skiing down the powdery slopes and revel in the serene beauty of the snow-covered mountains.  The dry spell over the last two months, including Chilai-e-Kalan -- the harshest 40-day winter period when the chances of snow are higher -- had prompted many tourists to either cancel or postpone their visit to the Valley.  According to the tourism department, the destination witnessed a staggering influx of 19,532 tourists within just six days of February after the fresh bout of snow.  The data available with the department says 15,086 domestic visitors, 4,290 locals and 156 foreigners have visited Gulmarg from February 1 to 6.  "We had put our booking to Kashmir on hold for two months because of no snowfall. However, as soon as we heard of snowfall, we rushed to Kashmir," Rohit, who comes from Madhya Pradesh, said.  Rohit came in a car to Srinagar in a tiring 24-hour journey after his flight to Srinagar got cancelled due to fresh snowfall.  "It's really heaven here, it is truly beautiful. It's for the first time I am witnessing something like this," he said, adding that he also enjoyed sledding during his trip to Gulmarg.  He urged the fellow countrymen to visit Kashmir at least once in their life to enjoy the natural beauty of the Valley.  Not just Rohit, but many tourists from other parts of the country have also been left spellbound by the mesmerising beauty of Gulmarg.  Among them is Deepanshi from Haryana, who waited for nearly three months to embark on her dream trip to Kashmir.  "Finally, we are here in Gulmarg, the winter wonderland and we are enjoying it a lot. It's gorgeous. We are playing in the snow and having a great time here," she added.  Tourism stakeholders are happy and hopeful of further surge in the arrival of visitors with the start of the second edition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 from February 21 to 25.  Originally scheduled to take place in Gulmarg from February 2 to 6, the fourth edition of the grassroots-level multi-sports competition was shifted from J&amp;K to the Union Territory of Ladakh for the first time due to lack of snow in the top skiing destination of the country.  Jammu and Kashmir hosted the previous editions of the games in 2020, 2021 and 2023.  The weatherman has predicted another bout of snowfall at many places in Jammu and Kashmir from February 18 to 20.
—PTI

Discover the winter charm of Gulmarg with fresh snowfall, attracting adventure seekers and families. Ski on Apharwat slopes and embrace the beauty of Kashmir's snow-covered peaks.

Gulmarg witnesses tourist surge after much awaited snowfall

Srinagar: One foreigner died and another was missing as an avalanche struck the ski slopes of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, officials said. Five skiers were rescued and are being treated in a local hospital.
The avalanche struck the Kongdoori slopes, trapping several skiers, the officials said.  The foreigners had gone to the ski slopes without local residents, they said.  Personnel of the Army and a patrolling team of the Jammu and Kashmir administration are carrying out rescue-cum-search operations.
—PTI

Tragic avalanche in Gulmarg claims a foreign skier's life, another missing. Army and J&K admin lead rescue. Five rescued and hospitalized.

The Hawk

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Police rescue 3 visitors who were trapped in Gulmarg

Pankaj Sharma

Tag : Gulmarg

Police rescue 3 visitors who were trapped in Gulmarg

Pankaj Sharma

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