The closure of the Srinagar-Leh Highway due to snow accumulation at Baltal in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal District has disrupted vehicular movement and prompted authorities to take swift action to address the situation. Baltal, a crucial camping ground for pilgrims en route to religious sites, is located approximately 75 km from Ganderbal and 93 km from Srinagar, positioned 15 kilometres north of Sonmarg.
The Border Roads Organisation, responsible for the development and maintenance of road networks in border areas, shared visuals of the fresh snowfall, underscoring the challenging conditions faced by travelers and locals alike. Additionally, the Pir Panjal range in Poonch district also experienced fresh snowfall, further accentuating the wintry conditions prevalent in the region.
In north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, the picturesque Gurez Valley woke up to a blanket of fresh snow on Sunday morning. Situated amidst the lofty peaks of the Himalayas, Gurez Valley, including Tulail Valley and Dawar village, witnessed the serene beauty of fresh snowfall. However, the snowfall led to the closure of the Gurez-Bandipora road, affecting traffic movement in the area.
The weather department in Srinagar has predicted heavy to very heavy snowfall over the higher reaches of the Kashmir division over the next three days, starting from Sunday. This forecast has prompted authorities to take precautionary measures and issue advisories to residents and travelers alike.
The seven-day forecast from the Meteorological Centre Srinagar indicates fluctuating temperatures in Srinagar city, with the minimum temperature expected to reach 3 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Over the next five days, the minimum temperature is projected to hover around one degree Celsius, while the maximum temperature will range between 5-8 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Gulmarg, the famed ski resort in Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
The India Meteorological Department has also issued predictions for heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand on specific dates in February. These forecasts highlight the need for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for inclement weather conditions.
As snowfall continues to blanket the region, the closure of vital transportation routes underscores the challenges posed by harsh winter conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the disruptions caused by the snowfall, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and travelers while monitoring weather forecasts closely to mitigate any potential risks associated with extreme weather events.
