The end of the dry spell and snowfall in upper reaches including the famous tourist resort of Gulmarg has ignited hope for tourism and farming revival in the Valley.

Gulmarg and some other upper reaches of the Valley received light snowfall yesterday and the Meteorological department has predicted more spells of snow (moderate to heavy) in the upper reaches and plains from tomorrow till February 3.
The absence of snow had affected winter tourism in Gulmarg and other places as the snowless famed tourist destinations had disappointed the tourists.
This absence of snow also disrupted major skiing events and impacted seasonal courses offered by various educational institutions in the region.
Hotel occupancy in Gulmarg and other tourist destinations also significantly dropped with the tourism stakeholders reporting about 70 per cent cancellations.
However, the fresh snowfall has ignited hope among the locals and the tourism stakeholders.
Rauf Ahmad Tramboo, President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) said that the snowfall in Gulmarg and prediction of more snow from January 28 to Feb 3 have generated new hope among them.
“Snowfall always proves a good omen for the tourism sector of Kashmir. We are now getting queries from tourists who want to visit Kashmir in coming weeks to witness snowfall,” he said.
Another tourism stakeholder said they are hopeful that the snowfall will bring joy and happiness and increase footfall of tourists to the region.
“If there is a good snowfall, we are expecting 100 percent occupancy in hotels especially in Gulmarg,” he said.
The fruit growers, especially apple growers, have heaved a sigh of relief after the snowfall and prediction of more snow.
“Apple production is always determined by the rains and snowfall received by the valley during the winter season. Kashmir witnessed dry weather for over two months, which has an impact on the horticulture sector. Since, the MeT department has forecasted snowfall in the coming days, we are hopeful for a better production this year,” said Gowhar Ahmad Khan, an apple grower from Baramulla.
According to MeT, two Western Disturbances are likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas and forecast an extended wet spell from afternoon of January 28 till February 3.