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Tourists Brave -1°C Cold at Srinagar's Dal Lake, Praise Safety and Scenery

Despite a severe cold wave with temperatures dropping to -1°C and dense fog, tourists are embracing the winter charm at Srinagar's iconic Dal Lake. Visitors from Delhi, like Vikas Yadav, have praised the city's cleanliness and noted a strong sense of security due to visible police and army patrols. Another tourist, Gulshan Kumar, expressed disappointment at the lack of snowfall but highlighted the well-maintained roads while calling for urgent cleaning of the lake, a vital local livelihood source. The India Meteorological Department has forecast light rain for the region as authorities advise citizens to limit outdoor activities due to the cold and poor air quality.

Key Points: Srinagar at -1°C: Tourists Embrace Cold Wave at Dal Lake

  • Srinagar records -1°C
  • Tourists brave cold at Dal Lake
  • Visitors praise city's safety and cleanliness
  • IMD forecasts light rain
  • Concerns raised about Dal Lake pollution
2 min read

J-K: Srinagar records minimum temperature of -1°C; tourists embrace cold wave at Dal Lake

Despite freezing temps and fog, tourists flock to Dal Lake in Srinagar, highlighting the city's safety, cleanliness, and captivating winter beauty.

"It is bitterly cold here... It is absolutely safe to travel to Jammu and Kashmir. - Vikas Yadav"

Srinagar, January 21

Cold wave conditions continued to grip Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, as temperatures in the valley dipped below the freezing mark. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1 degrees Celsius, with a thick blanket of fog covering the picturesque Dal Lake.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light rain for the city over the next two days.

However, Srinagar's Dal Lake remains a draw even in the dead of winter. Layered in heavy winter wear, tourists braved the freezing temperatures at the Lake to experience the morning's frosty beauty. Despite the intense cold wave, many visitors noted that the season offers a distinct, captivating allure.

Vikas Yadav, who travelled to Srinagar on a work trip from Delhi, appreciated the city's cleanliness and security and stated he is enjoying it despite the cold weather.

"It is bitterly cold here. We went to Dal Lake and enjoyed the scenic beauty of the valley. This city is quite clean. It is absolutely safe to travel to Jammu and Kashmir. We see army personnel patrolling all the time. The police authorities are also supportive. There is no need to be scared," he said.

Gulshan Kumar, who also came to Srinagar on an official visit, expressed his disappointment at not witnessing snowfall but praised Srinagar's maintained roads. He also emphasised the need for attention to Dal Lake, given its significance to local livelihoods.

"I am on a work trip here. I knew that it snows during this time of winter in the valley, but we couldn't witness it. Maybe that's due to global warming. The roads are quite clean here as compared to other places. However, Dal Lake needs urgent cleaning, given the fact that it is a source of livelihood for many people here," he stated.

Earlier on Sunday, Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Meanwhile, visibility across the city remained poor due to the ongoing cold wave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported dense fog in the morning hours, with moderate fog at several locations and dense fog at isolated spots. The temperature around 7 am was recorded at approximately 8.2 degrees Celsius.

With severe pollution, cold wave and dense fog persisting, authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, follow health advisories, and take precautions against the hazardous air quality.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Minus 1°C and they call it a cold wave? Come to Delhi where the 'feels like' temperature with pollution is worse! Jokes aside, Gulshan Kumar is right. Dal Lake's cleanliness is crucial. It's our national treasure and the lifeline for so many shikara walas and hotel owners.
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Aman W
Was there last week. The fog over Dal Lake at sunrise is pure magic. Yes, it's cold, but the chai from the vendors by the lake warms you right up. Security is very visible and reassuring for families.
S
Sarah B
Interesting read. The mention of no snowfall due to global warming is concerning. It's a global issue, but it hits hard in ecologically sensitive places like Kashmir. The authorities should definitely prioritize the lake's health alongside tourism.
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate the positive reports on safety and cleanliness, the article ends with a serious note on pollution and health advisories. We often romanticize the cold but forget the hardship for locals, especially the poor. Hope the administration is providing adequate shelters and support.
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Ishita S
Planning a trip next month! This is helpful. Good to know the roads are maintained. Does anyone have recommendations for warm but affordable stays near Dal Lake?

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