Ganderbal, Apr 19: The higher reaches of Kashmir including the Zojila Pass and Sonamarg tourist resort experienced fresh snowfall on Saturday, forcing the closure of Srinagar-Leh National Highway.
The Zojila Pass received 4 to 5 inches of snow till Saturday evening while the peaks of Sonamarg received a fresh layer of snow. The Srinagar-Leh National Highway was temporarily closed.
“It was snowing at Zojila since Saturday morning. The traffic from both the Sonamarg and Kargil sides has been stopped. Any further decision to allow traffic on the road will be subject to improvement in weather conditions and clearance from the BRO,” a Traffic Police official said.
Amid inclement weather, the sub-divisional administration Kangan issued an advisory saying, “Given the forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, moderate to intense showers of rain accompanied with moderate to severe thunderstorm, lightning, gusty winds which are looming large in J&K, people in subdivision Kangan are advised to keep children and elderly people safe indoors and not to venture outside unnecessarily, especially the people living in the hilly terrain of this subdivision.”
The advisory read: “Kangan subdivision has witnessed frequent landslides, cloudbursts, and avalanches in the past. People and the executing agencies like R&B, Border Roads Organisation (Project Beacon), PMGSY, MEIL and APCO, Irrigation and Flood Control Sub Division Kangan and Ganderbal are requested to remain in a mode of readiness in case of any eventuality. Further, Officer Commanding Beacon, 122 RCC, Haripora, is requested to keep a tight vigil at the damaged Kijpara Bridge and the alternate road as the waters of Nallah Wangath have risen. Any eventuality may immediately be reported to the office of the undersigned. Control Sub-Division Kangan and Ganderbal should keep their men and machinery ready in case of any exigency or eventuality. Superintendent Trauma Hospital Kangan and Block Medical Officer Kangan are also advised to sensitise the medical-cum-paramedical staff for providing 24×7 healthcare facilities. Furthermore, all the Heads of the Departments are advised to remain stationed in sub-division Kangan and not leave without prior permission from the office of the undersigned. Feel free to call Control Room Kangan at 8491029969 and 7889504595.”
The areas of Ladakh including Kargil district and Drass received light to moderate snowfall.
The Kargil-Drass road has been temporarily blocked due to heavy snowfall and falling stones.
The drivers and passengers have been advised to avoid any kind of travel on the road.
The Leh-Kargil road has also been temporarily blocked due to the fall of a rock near the Shargole-Darket stretch.
“The vehicles from Leh to Kargil travelling via Darchiks-Garkone would be diverted via Sanjak due to rock fall near Hordass” traffic officials in Kargil said.
In Kargil town, traffic at Kabadi Nallah and Upper Chanchik Road has been diverted due to shooting stones.
The people have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel due to the risk of rock falls and shooting stones caused by rainfall and sleet.
The people have also been requested not to venture near water bodies and rocky areas.
