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The holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi and Patnitop, a famous tourist destination, today witnessed season’s first snowfall, while the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-1A) remained closed for the fourth consecutive day. The much awaited snowfall on these hills has started attracting pilgrims and tourists from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.

MK Bhandari, additional CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, said: “The track from Ardh Kunwari to the holy cave had experienced 6 to 7 inches of snow. However, the pilgrimage goes on smoothly as the pilgrims are moving towards the holy cave to pay obeisance.”

Bhandari added, “So far, no untoward incident has been reported and we are well equipped to remove the snow from track leading to the shrine.” However, following the inclement weather, the chopper service was suspended for the day.

Naresh and Seema, a couple from Delhi, who came here to pay obeisance, said: “The snowfall has added an attraction to our journey and the sudden change in weather has given us a reason to spend some more days here.”

The lower areas of the region, including Katra city, Jammu and other areas also witnessed hailstorm and incessant rains today.

Alok Kumar, SSP, National Highway, Ramban, said: “The sudden change in the climate has been attracting a large number of tourists, but the slippery road conditions has made the travelling a risky job.” Consequently, a number of passengers were still stranded in Ramban on way to Srinagar, he added.

source:tribuneindia.com