NEW DELHE: The Black Snow reportedly found in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir may be due to soot deposits from the Gulf oil fires.

According to environment and forests ministry officials here the possibility of some soot generated by the gulf oil fires being deposited on the northernmost parts of the country through rainfall or snow had always existed. An interdepartmental meeting convened by the environment ministry yesterday discussed all ramifications of the issue.

Various agencies of the government are continuously monitoring the situation to get more facts and prepare for any contingency.

Smoke with soot from the gulf oil fires travels at a high speed depending on the wind.

Article extracted from this publication >> May 3, 1991