Srinagar, Jan 06: As the mercury in Kashmir valley continues to plummet several degrees below freezing point, the prevalent extreme weather conditions have spawned the demand for the heating appliances which are becoming a provision for the valleyites to fight the extreme weather conditions.
With the advent of sophisticated innovative and technological gadgets, a large number of such appliances have come up in the markets providing a diverse choice for the locals to pick their favorite shield against the harsh weather conditions in Kashmir valley.
Ranging from electric heaters of different brands and forms, thermal blankets , anti-freeze additives, electric hamams to Turkish room heaters, the markets in Kashmir are these days flooded with such appliances offering the locals a relief from the biting cold.
Notwithstanding the traditional way of keeping warm during Kashmir’s harsh cold weather, which included Kashmir’s traditional Kangri (firepot) and angethis, the increasing urbanisation and changing lifestyle has pushed the demand for the refined heating appliances.
Those associated with this business say there has been a surge in the demand with an easy availability of such appliances in the markets.
Pertinent to mention here, Kashmir valley has plunged into the harshest winter period, locally known as Chillai kalan, which spans over a month.
In recent years a huge market for such appliances has evolved in Kashmir with products pouring in from China, Taiwan, and Korea.
Moreover with the availability of power supply across Kashmir valley, the electric warm appliances have become a boon for the locals. Locals are switching to electronic heating gadgets to fight the biting cold.
Many of these appliances come with the technicality of consuming less voltage making it easy for the people to use such appliances.
“The demand for electronic warm appliances kicks off with the onset of the winter season even prior to that when we prepare for the winter months in valley. Since there has been a significant improvement in the power supply there demand has infact gone up in past one month,” Rayees Ahmad, a dealer of the electric blankets at Khanyar area of old city, said.
“Moreover electric blankets being less power consuming have become a vital requirement in the cold season. I think these days there won’t be a single household where you don’t find thermal blankets. Come winters and these blankets sell like hot cakes,” Rayees added.
Apart from the electronic devices there has been a rising demand for the Turkish room heaters which consume 200 grams of LPG an hour for an output of 250 kw of heat.
“As Kashmir face extreme winter season the demand for Turkish heaters is also on the rise. These heaters have also become an essential household requirement for winter season. As the winter sets in there is a notable increase in sales of these heaters. They are beneficial when electricity goes off,” Shabir Ahmad, proprietor Shabir & Co, which deals with selling heating appliances, said.
