Jammu Tawi, Feb. 20 -- After 50 days, the prolonged dry spell broke in Kashmir Valley on Thursday as rain lashed the plains and higher reaches recorded snowfall.

Widespread jubilation started across Kashmir when people woke up as rain lashed the plains after such a long period. Scores of springs dried up and power generation from hydroelectric power projects dropped by 80 per cent due to the dry spell.

Authorities postponed the Khelo India winter games scheduled in the ski resort of Gulmarg due to scant snowfall. MeT Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad said: "Today's rain/snow has broken the extended dry spell. This will lead to increased discharge in rivers and streams in the coming days. If the present weather model holds, Jammu and Ka...