Srinagar, A significant snowfall across the occupied Jammu and Kashmir region has brought normal life to a halt, causing the cancellation of flights, closure of main roads, and highways, including the critical Srinagar-Jammu highway. The inclement weather underscores the region’s vulnerability to natural events and their impact on daily activities and connectivity.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Kashmir Valley and parts of the Jammu division have been experiencing continuous snowfall, affecting Srinagar and surrounding areas. The local Meteorological department reported substantial snowfall in key locations: Gulmarg, a renowned ski resort, and Kokernag in south Kashmir received about 28.0 mm of snowfall, while Pahalgam saw 27.7 mm. The snow depth reached 5 feet in Sonamarg over the last two days, with Gulmarg recording depths between 3.5 to 4 feet.
The closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway, the sole surface connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the world, was necessitated by landslides triggered by continuous rains, especially between Ramban and Banihal. The situation was compounded by the Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway, which received over 4-5 feet of snow, leading to the road’s closure for vehicular traffic. Slippery road conditions have severely disrupted traffic, particularly on the stretch from Ganiwan to Gagengar (Sonamarg) on the Srinagar-Leh highway.
Furthermore, all major highways entering the Valley, such as the Mughal Road, Sinthan-Kishtwar road, and those linking remote areas like Gurez in Bandipora and Karnah/Keran in Kupwara to their respective district headquarters, were closed due to adverse weather conditions.
Flight operations at Srinagar Airport were significantly affected, with 23 flights cancelled on Tuesday due to ongoing snowfall. The rail network also faced disruptions, with six train services cancelled and several others delayed due to the weather. The University of Kashmir has postponed all examinations scheduled for today, reflecting the broader impact of the snowfall on educational activities.
The current weather conditions highlight the challenges faced by the region during winter months, affecting transportation, communication, and daily life for the residents of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.