Ramban Jan 23: The famous hill resorts of Jammu province, including Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar, and Batote, along with towns like Gool, Banihal, and Ramsu, witnessed the season’s first snowfall on Friday, bringing cheer to the tourism sector even as power, water and road disruptions affected daily life.

The fresh snowfall and accompanying rainfall were welcomed by hoteliers, taxi operators, mule and horse owners, photographers, shopkeepers, and vendors operating near these tourist destinations, as they are expected to give a much-needed boost to tourism activities in the region.

Experts believe that the precipitation will also have long-term benefits. The rainfall is expected to recharge hydel project reservoirs, thereby improving power generation, which had declined drastically due to the extended dry season. Additionally, it is likely to replenish groundwater levels, revive natural springs, wells and traditional baulies, and prove beneficial for fruit and vegetable cultivation across the region. Health experts said the rainfall would help settle atmospheric dust and pollution, leading to improved air quality and better public health conditions.

However, the snowfall also disrupted normal life in several areas. Since early morning, power supply, water supply and telecommunication services were affected at many places. Batote town, in particular, witnessed a complete standstill, wearing a deserted look as residents stayed indoors due to harsh weather conditions.

Meanwhile, officials said that as a precautionary measure, vehicular traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was halted at safer locations due to slippery road conditions caused by rain and snow. Traffic on several link roads across the affected areas was also snapped.

The administration has advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official advisories until weather conditions improve and road connectivity is restored.

Jammu, Jan 23: In view of incessant rainfall and heavy snowfall across various parts of the Jammu Division, the power demand of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) witnessed an unprecedented decline, dropping to 140 MW at around 04:00 am. Consequent upon sustained restoration efforts undertaken by JPDCL, the running load has since been progressively enhanced to 891 MW, as against the normal average running load of approximately 1150 MW.

At the Sub-Transmission level, 161 out of 181 numbers of 66/33 kV lines have been restored. At the Distribution level, 740 out of 1373 numbers of 11 kV feeders have been restored and restoration of remaining accessible feeders is being undertaken on priority.

The pace of restoration in certain areas remains constrained due to inaccessibility of snow-bound and rain-affected locations, particularly in hilly and remote regions. The major affected areas include parts of Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Kishtwar and Samba districts, especially the higher reaches and interior areas. In District Jammu, power infrastructure has been affected mainly due to heavy rainfall, strong winds and uprooting of trees leading to damage of HT and LT lines.

Adequate manpower, machinery and material have been mobilized to assess damages and ensure early restoration of power supply across all affected areas. JPDCL is maintaining close coordination with district administrations and other concerned agencies to expedite restoration works, particularly in vulnerable and remote regions.

Jammu, Jan 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday attended the Silver Jubilee commemorative event of the Shri Baba Kashi Vishwanath Seva Samiti at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor hailed the Shri Baba Kashi Vishwanath Seva Samiti’s 25-year legacy of dedication and unwavering commitment to service.

“True faith lives in selfless service; real devotion is found in compassion,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He stated that the Samiti, serving the pilgrims at the Chandanwari Base Camp during the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has bridged the faith and action and set societal example with selfless service.

“For 25 years, Shri Baba Kashi Vishwanath Seva Samiti has embodied the principle that true faith manifests through selfless service,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

“In today’s era, spiritual consciousness provides the necessary balance through compassion and empathy. Spiritual prosperity builds value-rooted citizens, which form the foundation of a strong society and a resilient nation.

Serving the devotees of Baba Barfani amidst high altitudes, harsh weather, and physical hardships is not merely organizational work; it is a spiritual discipline.

The volunteers at Chandanwari are dismantling barriers and creating connections rooted in human compassion. Each time a volunteer extends help without waiting to be asked, they reinforce the spiritual foundation of our nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor congratulated Shri Dilip Singh, President Shri Baba Kashi Vishwanath Seva Samiti, all the office bearers and volunteers for making service a way of life.

“Let us commit ourselves to weaving service into the fabric of our daily lives, translating our spiritual beliefs into tangible actions, and working together to create a society built on the foundations of kindness, mutual support, and peaceful coexistence,” the Lieutenant Governor said.