Sonamarg, Oct 7, KNT: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has launched snow clearance operations at the strategic Zojila Pass following a fresh spell of snowfall that blanketed the area on Monday night. The snowfall, which marked the early onset of winter in the higher reaches, temporarily disrupted vehicular movement along the Srinagar–Leh highway, an important lifeline connecting Kashmir with the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Officials said that personnel from Project Beacon of the BRO began clearing accumulated snow early Tuesday morning to ensure the highway remains open for essential traffic. The operation was carried out amid freezing temperatures and reduced visibility, posing challenges for the engineering teams working at altitudes above 11,500 feet.
“The snow clearance work was initiated immediately after the weather showed slight improvement. Our teams are on the ground with heavy machinery to ensure that connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh is restored at the earliest,” a BRO official told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
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The Zojila Pass, known for its harsh weather conditions, often witnesses early snowfalls that affect transportation and supply movement to the remote areas of Ladakh. The route is of immense strategic importance, not only for civilian travel but also for the movement of defence supplies.
Authorities have advised travelers to avoid unnecessary movement along the highway until the snow clearance operation is fully completed and the road is declared safe for passage. Meanwhile, locals in Sonamarg and adjoining areas reported a sharp dip in temperature following the snowfall. [KNT]
