Relief in Anantnag: Rain brings respite after intense heat waves

Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 29 (ANI): Residents of the South Kashmir region of Anantnag sighed in relief on Monday after the area was lashed with rain following periodic heat waves.

Mohammad Arfiya, a resident of Anantnag, said, “The rain has brought some relief to us. It has been very hot here in the last couple of days. The tourists are also able to roam around now.”

Archana Singh, a tourist in Anantnag, expressed happiness at the respite from the heat.

“The weather has become better today after the rain. We can roam around and enjoy the weather,” she said.

“The heat here has caused a lot of losses in the tourism industry. This is the first time Kashmir has experienced such heat. The change in weather will lead to better conditions for the farmers as well,” said Shahyuv, another resident of Anantnag.

Earlier, on Sunday, the residents of Anantnag sought relief from the extreme heat in the refreshing waters of the local ponds and canals. As the temperature rose, locals and tourists gathered at these natural retreats to enjoy a respite from the heat.

Speaking to ANI, a resident of the area mentioned that, because of global warming, people have turned to streams and ponds for relief. “This year it’s been very hot… Recently, it was 33°C here; we suffered a lot due to the heat. Children and women can’t come out because of the heat. I think there should be an additional summer vacation. Because of global warming, people move to streams and ponds for relief,” he said.

“We only pray for rain at the moment to reduce the heat. Global warming has been affecting a lot of horticulture, which is the backbone here. I just pray for rain,” he further added.

These water bodies not only provide physical relief but also serve as communal gathering spots, fostering a sense of togetherness and joy. The canals and ponds, surrounded by lush greenery, offer a picturesque setting, making the experience even more delightful. For many, these outings become cherished moments of relaxation and bonding, a cherished part of their summer traditions.