Record-breaking snowfall leaves farmers worried in JK's Doda

Record-breaking snowfall has thrown life out of gear in Doda and adjoining districts in Chenab Valley with farmers and orchardists fearing huge financial losses.

The local meteorological department has figures for only 20 years after its establishment and such a heavy snowfall in the first week of November had happened for the first time in the past two decades, meteorologist Ramesh Sharma told PTI.

Locals claim such a heavy snowfall has happened in the areas after more than four decades, catching them unprepared for the ensuing winter.

The snowfall in the inhabited areas, ranging from three inches to over three feet, was recorded in different areas of the district, forcing closure of Bhadarwah-Basohli highway, Kishtwar-Sinthan Top road and Bhadarwah-Chamba interstate road while many far-flung areas got cut-off, officials said.

The people complained about drinking water scarcity and virtual breakdown of electricity in majority of the villages.

"Bhadarwah valley experienced heavy snowfall in 1978 but after November 15. I have never witnessed snowfall in first week of November in the last 40 years," said Balwant Raj (62) of panchayat Chinchora.

He said the early snowfall is not a good omen for farmers, cattle rearers and labour class as all the development and other construction works would be suspended till march, which means "we will get no work for five months and this a scary situation."