GILGIT, Nov 17: The Gilgit-Baltistan received first rain and snowfall of winter season, dipping the temperature to freezing point, reports said.

According to reports Diamer, Astor, Skardu, Ghanche, Ghizer, Gilgit and Hunza/Nagar districts received rain which turned the weather chilly.

Local metrological department said lower plains received rain while upper parts witnessed first snowfall of the season which dropped the mercury to freezing point.

Official of the works department said the present rain coupled with snowfall did not cause any blockade of roads.

The water and power department and telecommunication officials said their respective systems functioned unhindered.

However, PIA service was suspended due to inclement weather.

Meanwhile, with the increase in demand of energy, the traders enhanced price of firewood, selling dried wood at Rs750 per 40kg and wet wood at Rs500 per 40kg, respectively.

The price of LPG has also been increased with the consumers getting it at Rs190 per one kilogram.

NEW DIVISION: The Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah has directed the finance department to create posts of divisional heads as early as possible for the newly created Diamer division.

An official of the GB secretariat disclosed that the chief minister has issued directives for creation of positions of commissioner, DIG police, chief engineers and directors of various other departments so that they could start working for people’s welfare.

The chief minister issued these directives at a recent meeting, said an official. However, it is yet to be decided which place would be chosen to set up headquarters of the division.

The Diamer division would comprise two districts — Diamer and Astor districts.

POWER PROJECTS: Four micro hydro power units would be established in Hudur valley of Diamir district to provide cheap and uninterrupted electricity to residents of the valley located on the peripheries of Chilas town.

This was stated by opposition leader in the legislative assembly Janbaz Khan while speaking to this correspondent on Saturday.

He said he had allocated a major portion of funds out of his share for the projects.

He disclosed that each unit will cost Rs5 million, while a Rs7 million project of water supply will also be launched to provide clean drinking water to the residents of the valley.