Srinagar. Normal life was severely affected in Jammu and Kashmir due to the first snowfall of the season in most parts of Kashmir Valley on Friday. Air traffic was halted due to snowfall and important roads including the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway were blocked. Official sources said that in the last 24 hours, there was heavy rain across Kashmir and light to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches.
According to the Meteorological Department, the famous ski resort Gulmarg received about two feet snowfall this morning. During this period, there was 18 cm snowfall in Pahalgam Hill Resort, 5 cm in Qazigund, 27 cm in Kupwara and 37 mm of rain in Srinagar. More than two inches of snow accumulated in Seemari-Teetwal area in Karnah valley of Kupwara district. This is an area where there is very little snowfall even in winter due to the warm weather. This snowfall has happened for the first time since 2005.
The Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir in the next 24 hours. Along with this, there is also a possibility of heavy rain at some places. The department has also predicted rain and thundershowers in some parts, while snowfall may continue in the higher reaches. Air traffic was halted in the area due to weather conditions.
“In view of the continuous snowfall, accumulation of snow in operational areas and forecast of inclement weather en route, all flights at Srinagar airport have been canceled for today for the safety of passengers,” a Srinagar airport official said. An official of the Traffic Control Department said that in view of the ongoing snowfall, all roads leading to and from the Kashmir Valley have been closed.
He said major roads including Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Srinagar-Leh Highway, Mughal Road and several roads connecting remote areas of North Kashmir have been closed for traffic as a precautionary measure. Due to snowfall, there is widespread power supply disruption in the area.
He said strong winds damaged power infrastructure in Kashmir yesterday evening, affecting supply in parts of Srinagar and other districts. Officials of Kashmir Electricity Distribution Corporation Limited said that work is going on to ensure power supply.
Jammu Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was closed for traffic on Friday due to heavy rain and snowfall. Officials said that due to accumulation of snow till Ramsu, the roads have become very slippery, due to which as a precaution, vehicular movement has been stopped at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur. Passengers stranded on this route have been advised to stop at safe places.
Heavy snowfall in Kashmir valley has also affected air services. Several flights to and from Srinagar airport have been canceled or delayed after operations were temporarily suspended. Indigo Airlines has issued a travel advisory asking passengers to check the status of flights. According to the airline, the process of taking off and landing of planes has been stopped for the time being due to snowfall.
Srinagar airport authorities confirmed the cancellation of flights, saying the decision was taken due to snowfall as well as a special technical advisory issued at the Delhi airport. Passengers have been advised to contact the respective airlines before leaving home. Snow clearance work is underway at the airport, but there are challenges in resuming operations due to low visibility.
On the other hand, there has been rain in many parts of Jammu city due to which there is severe cold in the entire area. After the drought that has been going on for the last three months, snowfall has started in Bhalesa and surrounding plains and hilly areas of Doda since midnight last night. Due to this snowfall after a long time, happiness is being seen on the faces of local residents and farmers as it is expected to be of great benefit to the agriculture sector.
