What would otherwise be a period when Kashmir would be blanketed by snow, and the region’s winter tourism would sustain its economy as local businesses and services operated for a minimum number of hours at a slow pace, has turned into a period of dryness, hopelessness, and fear in Kashmir for now. Hoteliers and travel agents say the majority of their bookings are getting canceled. Out of the forty days of hard winter locally called Chillai Kalan, 27 have already passed without snow, compelling experts, environmentalists, and officials to ring alarm bells.
View More In Pictures: Jhelum shrinks as Kashmir grapples with dry winter
In Pictures: Jhelum shrinks as Kashmir grapples with dry winter
