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Dal Lake frozen; cold wave sweeps Valley

Special Correspondent

Shortage in power supply adds to the miseries of people; government sees no reason to panic

Photo: Nissar Ahmad

ROWING IN THE ICE: The scene at frozen Dal Lake in Srinagar on Wednesday.

SRINAGAR: `Chillae Kalan', the 40-day-long spell of the coldest part of winter, started on Wednesday with one of the coldest nights in Kashmir. With night temperature falling to minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, the world famous Dal Lake and other small tributaries have been frozen. The day temperature was recorded at 7.5 degrees Celsius, which is one degree below normal.

Meteorological Office in Srinagar said the cold wave was expected to continue for some time. The normal life is disrupted to a larger extend with the whole Valley reeling under severe cold.

With no rain or snow in the hinterland, the dry spell has also led to numerous diseases related to cold. "We have heavy rush of patients with common cold, chest and throat infections, especially children and old", said Amit Wanchoo, a doctor.

The Chillae Kalan marks the beginning of winter every year on December 21 but this time the cold wave began much ahead.

People were caught unawares as they were not ready yet to face the winter.

This 40-day spell will be followed by 20 days of Chillae Khurud and 10-day long Chillae Bacha, though the latter two are considered less harsh.

Meanwhile, people are facing shortage of kerosene and busy storing essential supplies like gas and other related items. Shortage in power supply has added to the miseries of the people.

On Wednesday large number of people took to streets in Srinagar downtown protesting against shortage in essential supplies and frequent power cuts. "We have geared up the administration and will not leave any effort to provide essential supplies during winter. There is as such no crisis", Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Basharat Ahmed Dhar said.

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Dal Lake frozen; cold wave sweeps Valley

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