Snow brings cheer to Ladakh area

Our Correspondent

Leh, February 13

Overnight snowfall in upper reaches and in the plain areas of different parts of Leh town and its surrounding villages has brought the much-needed relief to the people.

Regional Director of the Metrological Department Sonam Lotus said Leh district had received 8 cm of snowfall while Kargil district received 6 cm of snowfall last night.

The entire Ladakh region received no snowfall for nearly two months in winter. The last snowfall in the region was witnessed on December 25 last year, which was very light.

However, last night’s fresh snowfall has also brought cheer to desperate farming community, who had a fear of facing drought-like situation in summer.

The Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer in the District Agriculture Department, Leh, Mohd Ramzan, said, “Ladakh has been facing precipitation deficit this year as it received snowfall just on the onset of winter in December last year. However, the fresh snowfall is a boon to the farmers, especially in the Khalsi subdivision of the district, where the sowing season will start from the first week of March. It will help in creating moisture in the field.”

From March-April to August-September, the agricultural and horticultural activities of Ladakh are completely dependent on irrigation, which is fed from the water melted from snow and glaciers. Snowfall, which became rare occurrence this winter, is the only source of water in the arid Ladakh region.