Snow blankets Kaghan Valley

Tourists make a beeline for Naran to witness season’s first snowfall

BALAKOT:

Tourists eager to experience snowfall are flocking to Naran after the tourist destination received over four inches of snow overnight.

The Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) has made arrangements to keep the Kaghan Highway free of snow to maintain smooth traffic flow to Naran.

Meanwhile, snow is continuously falling in Lake Saiful Mulook, Siri Paye and adjoining valleys since the previous night.

Heavy rains in Balakot and snowfall in Kaghan Valley have not only put an end to a long dry spell in the region, but have also brought relief to residents suffering from various ailments due to prolonged dryness in the atmosphere.

The dry spell had been causing an unusual accumulation of dust in the region, with residents reportedly falling ill frequently and battling dry cough, breathing issues and skin allergies. 

Health experts have hailed the turn in weather, saying that while rain and snow do cause temperatures to drop faster, they are also beneficial and crucial for the eradication of these diseases.

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On the other hand, tourists have expressed their wonder at seeing snow-covered mountains up close instead of just in pictures. They added that they are having the time of their lives while watching the snowfall and enjoying various snow-related activities.

Travel advisory issued

The City Traffic Police (CTP) on Sunday issued a traffic advisory for tourists travelling to Murree and other hill stations to enjoy the cold weather and imminent snowfall.

Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rai Taimoor Khan urged the tourists to avoid wrong as well as double parking and taking selfies in the middle of the road. He asked them to obey traffic rules, avoid over-speeding and cooperate with traffic wardens, who have been deployed in additional numbers to facilitate tourists.

The CTO also suggested the tourists to ensure that their vehicles are in optimum condition before travelling to hill stations.

According to Met Office, rain with snowfall over the hills was expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and Northeast Punjab during Saturday (evening/night) and Sunday.

Snowfall was also expected in Neelum Valley, Bagh, Rawalakot, Nathiagali, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Astore, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Malam Jabba on Sunday, it added.

The CTP has devised a proper traffic plan to ensure smooth flow of traffic and also requested the public to cooperate with the police.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 7^th, 2021.