Kashmir News Trust #KNT
Due to fresh snowfall in Kashmir and parts of Jammu, all important highways have been closed to traffic. However, train service is operational while at Srinagar Airport, scheduled flights have been delayed.
Official sources told news agency Kashmir News Trust that all the important highways are closed for vehicular movement due to the slippery condition of the roads and snow accumulation.
They said Srinagar-Jammu Highway has been closed to traffic after landslides and shooting stones at Magarkote and Banihal.
All parts of Kashmir Valley received fresh snowfall since Sunday night. Snow has been accumulated on roads while in Srinagar city, road clearance operation was launched, however, in interiors, snow has accumulated making it difficult for commuters to drive their vehicles.
Authorities had already closed the Mughal Road on 5 January due to snow accumulation while the Srinagar-Kargil road was closed for vehicular movement on 6 January.
Official sources said that Kupwara Machil Road, Kupwara-Karnah Road, Kupwara-Keran Road, Bandipora-Gurez Road, and Anantnag-Kishtwar Road are all closed to traffic.
A Railway official however said that the train service is operational despite inclement weather.
A police official said that Kargil and Leh regions also witnessed snowfall. The snow depth at Kargil town was 3.4 inch till the filing of this report while Drass received 9-inch snowfall. The snow depth at Zanskar was 4 inches, Rangdum inches, Panikhar 7 inches, Sankoo 8 inches, Khangral 1.5 inches, Chiktan 0.5 inch, Wakha 2.5 inches and Darchik recorded one inch of snowfall.
All Sub-Divisions and Block headquarters of Kargil are through for traffic from Kargil town except Sub Division Zanskar and Drass Sub Division headquarter is too Blocked. Moreover, due to heavy snow accumulation and bad weather, condition of all roads are very slippery.
Police further said that Kargil-Leh road is blocked due to landslides at Lamayuru Roung. They said that Border Roads Organization has pressed men and machinery in service to clear the highway, but keeping the present weather condition in view, it may take time to throw the road open for the traffic.
Authorities have advised the general public to avoid unnecessary vehicular movement unless road is cleared by the concerned agencies.
Authorities added that those commuting on snowbound hilly terrains are advised to remain alert and not to venture out unless emergency as due to inclement weather conditions snowbound hilly terrains are often vulnerable to Snow Avalanches during snowfall. They have advised commuters to use anti-skid chains in vehicles in case of emergency situations. [KNT]
