Srinagar, Jan 11 : Parts of the Dal Lake froze on Sunday following intense cold conditions in Srinagar, where the minimum temperature plunged to minus 5.2 degrees Celsius during the night.
The freezing of sections of the lake caused difficulties for shikara boatmen, who were seen struggling to row their boats through thin layers of ice formed on the water surface in several interior pockets of the lake. Despite the hardship, many boatmen expressed optimism, saying the frozen appearance of Dal Lake is likely to attract more tourists eager to witness the Valley’s harsh winter spectacle.
News Agency Kashmir News Trust quoted a couple of boatmen as saying that every year, when parts of the lake freeze, visitors from outside the region show keen interest in experiencing shikara rides amid icy surroundings, boosting winter tourism and providing them with much-needed livelihood during the lean season.
The severe cold also disrupted daily life across Srinagar. In several localities, water supply was affected as pipes froze overnight, forcing inhabitants to struggle for water early in the morning. Accumulated water on roads and lanes turned icy, making movement difficult and increasing the risk of slips and minor accidents.
Officials said the prevailing dry weather and clear skies have intensified nocturnal cooling, leading to widespread freezing conditions in low-lying and interior areas of the city. They added that such conditions are typical during the peak winter period but advised people to take precautions against frost-related problems. [KNT]
