Disruptions to Flight Operations, Delays in Train Service, and Slippery Road Conditions Affect Traffic Movement
Srinagar, Dec 27: Snowfall blanketed various parts of Kashmir on Friday afternoon, ending a four-month dry spell and bringing some relief from the bone-chilling cold in the valley.
A senior official from the meteorological department informed that Srinagar and other areas of the Kashmir valley experienced their first snowfall of the season, marking the conclusion of a prolonged dry period.
The official noted that snowfall was also reported in parts of Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar, while rains affected the plains of Jammu district.
Srinagar recorded a low of minus 7.3 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperatures falling across most locations in Kashmir as the valley continued to endure intense cold conditions. This has led to the freezing of several water bodies and water supply lines in many areas.
The official predicted a dip of two to three degrees in minimum temperatures in Kashmir over the next two days.
Aside from Gulmarg, night temperatures have plummeted across all other weather stations in the Kashmir valley.
Currently under the grip of “Chillai-Kalan,” the harshest winter period lasting 40 days beginning December 21, the Kashmir valley is experiencing below-normal maximum and minimum temperatures for this time of year, the official further mentioned.
He also stated that Jammu and Kashmir has recorded an 81 percent rainfall deficit over the past three months while grappling with a persistent cold wave. Between October 1 and December 25, 2024, the Union Territory received only 21.0 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 110.0 mm, representing an 81 percent deficit.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted scattered snowfall across Kashmir and widespread rains in Jammu, along with snowfall in the upper reaches of the Chenab Valley. The department indicated that this weather pattern would continue until Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the fresh snowfall resulted in the closure of the Mughal road, connecting the Kashmir Valley with Rajouri and Poonch districts via Shopian. The Sinthan-Kishtwar road was also shut due to slippery conditions and risk of landslides.
Reports reaching indicate that tourists were seen enjoying the snowflakes on the popular Boulevard Road along the banks of Dal Lake, capturing memorable photographs in front of luxurious houseboats. Following the snowfall, vehicles were moving slowly on the highways as well as on all connecting roads.
Additionally, the season’s first major snowfall in Kashmir on Friday led to significant disruptions at the Srinagar International Airport, resulting in the cancellation of all flights.
The Director of Srinagar Airport stated in a message that, while operations had been smooth earlier, snow accumulation affected evening flights. “So far, five flights have been canceled. I urge passengers to check the status, as the ongoing snowfall is impacting operations,” he said.
Airport officials explained that snow buildup on the runway, combined with dense cloud cover, rendered conditions unsafe for aircraft operations. “The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority, and operations are heavily dependent on weather conditions,” an airport spokesperson said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, a railway official informed Kashmir Despatch that following fresh snowfall, train service between Budgam and Banihal experienced delays; however, services were later restored and are now functioning normally.
Meanwhile, police across the districts of Kashmir have issued helpline numbers for the general public in light of the fresh snowfall.
From Sopore to Kupwara to Awantipora, Baramulla other police districts emergency helpline services have been established to assist the public in seeking help during emergencies arising from inclement weather.
Meanwhile, In light of the fresh snowfall in the plains of the Kashmir region, the Traffic Department of Kashmir issued an advisory for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers traveling, particularly to hilly areas.
During snowfall and on slippery hilly roads, only vehicles equipped with 4X4 capabilities or fitted with anti-skid chains, and with a seating capacity of no more than 10 persons, will be allowed to operate on hilly roads. This is particularly applicable to routes such as Tangmarg-Gulmarg, Mughal Road, Zojila, Sinthon, Gurez-Bandipora, Pahalgam-Chandanwari, Kupwara-Karnah, and Kupwara-Machil, provided these roads are open for vehicular traffic.
To avoid undue congestion and traffic jams, only registered anti-skid chain vendors will be permitted to fix chains at designated locations.
No motorist shall be allowed to park their vehicle outside designated parking areas. Strict action will be taken against drivers who park their vehicles improperly on the roadside.
Furthermore, no vehicle with invalid documents will be permitted to travel on hilly roads in order to prevent any unpleasant incidents.
Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution and adhere to these guidelines to ensure their safety and the smooth flow of traffic in the area the official advisory reads.
Meanwhile an order issued from the Deputy Commissioner office Baramulla reads Whereas, the Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic Rural Kashmir vide traffic advisory nO. TPORK/Estt/Hilly-roads/2024/14024 dated 27th December, 2024 in view of the prevailing climatic condition (snowfall).
Whereas, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Gulmarg vide letter no. SDT/S-14/24/9165-66 dated 27* December, 2024 has also requested to issue advisory for vehicles moving from Tangmarg to Gulmarg and vice versa.
Whereas, due to snowfall the road between Tangmarg and Gulmarg has become slippery, this may cause occurrence of accidents among motorists and may lead to injury/loss of life.
Now therefore, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 163 of BNSS, 2023, I Shri Minga Sherpa, IAS, District Magistrate, Baramulla do hereby order
No Heavy Vehicles/Passenger buses shall be allowed to travel beyond Tangmarg.
Light vehicles carrying essential commodities/passengers/tourists shall be allowed to proceed towards Gulmarg from Tangmarg & vice-versa, only if they are equipped with anti skid chains.
Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Tangmarg shall ensure regular sprinkling of salt on frozen surfaces in the evening.
This shall be followed by removal of softened snow dust from the roads immediately through men & machinery.
No tourist vehicle shall be allowed to travel before 08:00 AM and after 06:00 PM on the Tangmarg-Gulmarg Road.
Executive Engineer M&HD Baramulla shall clear off snow from the entire stretch of Tangmarg-Gulmarg Road and Gulmarg bowl.
The order shall not be applicable to Magistrate/Army/CAPF/Police and other Government Officials/personnel on duty.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gulmarg and Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Gulmarg shall implement the order in letter and spirit.
Any violation of this order is punishable under Section 223 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanita, 2023 the order further reads. (Kashmir Despatch)
