The fourth edition of the ‘Khelo India Winter Games’ kick-started at the snowbound resort of Gulmarg, in Baramulla district, today. The games will be played between 21st and 25th Feb 2024. This is the 2nd phase of the Winter Games after the first phase was completed at the start of the month. Department of Youth Services & Sports and Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council have organized the games in collaboration with the Tourism Department, Gulmarg Development Authority and other stakeholders.
20 States and Union Territories are participating in sporting events like snowboarding, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing and Snow Mountaineering. The first phase of the games was held in the Union Territory of Ladakh between 02-06 Feb 2024. With the fresh spell of heavy snowfall, Baramulla and Gulmarg have turned into picturesque wonderland with pristine layers of fluffy snow. The current spell of wet weather has provided ideal conditions for the conduct of games.
Earlier, the entire Kashmir Valley and Ladakh remained practically dry during the month of January. Grey peaks and barren valleys presented a deserted look. The conduct of the Winter Games was at stake. The timely arrival of snow, both, during the first and second phases, saved the grace of the occasion. The entire state had a rain & snow deficit during January. It partially recovered with a fair amount of snowfall on the first 3 days of February. However, the prolonged dry spell thereafter, mounted the seasonal deficiency to over 70% by 18th Feb 2024. The second spell of snowfall, over the last 3 days has reduced this margin to a little over 40%. The month of February, by itself, has scored more than the average rainfall/ snowfall for the states of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Western disturbance is still affecting many parts of the state, the eastern half, a little more than the western one. The remnant effect will remain till tomorrow. Also, a fresh western disturbance is likely to arrive on 24th Feb. Another system, in tandem and more intense than the earlier one, will track across the region from 26th onwards. Northern hilly states will find a little more action towards fag end of the month and even spilling over to the start of March. The deficiency, earlier incurred during the season will get substantially covered, before the cessation of the winter season.
Image Credit: livemint
