JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Mar 20: While the Border Roads Organsation (BRO) restored Bhaderwah-Bani-Basohli road today after clearing snow from Chhatergalla Pass, the Mughal Road and Sinthan Pass are still blocked due to heavy snowfall.
Higher reaches of Pir Panjal in Jammu Division and also in Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall today while, Jammu city and several plain areas of the region witnessed heavy to moderate rain late this evening. With the heavy rain water logging was caused on the low lying areas of Jammu city, causing disruption in the smooth movement of traffic.
Official sources said that the 118 RCC of the Border Roads Organisation on Friday reopened the strategic Bhaderwah-Bani-Basohli road for traffic after clearing massive snow accumulation at Chattergala Pass, restoring vital connectivity between the mountainous regions.They said heavy snowfall had snapped the link between Bani and Bhaderwah in recent days, prompting an intensive clearance operation led by 118 RCC personnel under the supervision of Commander 35 BRTF Udhampur,
Despite harsh weather, deep snow and difficult terrain near the Ashapati (Sonbain) glacier and Kailash mountain foothills, the BRO team reopened the road well ahead of its usual seasonal schedule ensuring movement of essential vehicles and local commuters, officials added.
They said snow clearance was carried out alongside ongoing bridge construction and permanent infrastructure works reflecting the agency’s continued push to maintain all-weather connectivity in remote Himalayan belts.
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While bus services are yet to begin, Sumos, tempo travellers and private vehicles are now plying safely along the 84-km stretch connecting the regions.
Officer Commanding 118 RCC said the rapid restoration aimed to guarantee uninterrupted traffic flow and public safety in challenging terrain was done within the shortest possible timeframe. He said tourist inflow to Bhaderwah had crossed three lakh last year crediting BRO’s infrastructure efforts for improved accessibility.
Meanwhile, reports said Kishtwar-Sinthan Pass -Kokernag-Anantnag road could not be cleared today due to heavy snowfall at the Sinthan Pass.
Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma said that there was accumulation of nearly two to two and half feet snowfall in Sinthan Pass area. Today it was clear weather during the day and the machines of GREF were engaged to clear the snow from the Pass from both sides. He said within 2-3 days, the road is expected to be restored if weather remained favourable. He said in Machail Mata Darbar also about 2 ft snowfall was reported and there was chilling cold in the entire district.
Reports from Poonch said that Mughal Road is still blocked due to fresh snowfall at Pir Ki Gali last night. Though GREF men deployed machinery to clear the snow but work could not be completed.
It said that fresh spell of snowfall over the higher reaches of Pir Panjal has led to the closure of Mughal Road, disrupting vehicular movement. and prompting authorities to restrict traffic for safety reasons. Despite the closure, the picturesque landscape blanketed in snow has attracted a large number of tourists from different areas who are thronging the region to witness and enjoy the breathtaking winter scenery. Visitors were seen taking in the natural beauty, capturing moments, and engaging in recreational activities amid the snow-covered surroundings.
SSP Traffic Jammu, Rural, Farooq Qaiser said that fresh snowfall disrupted the road clearance work during morning hours. He said if the weather remained fair, the road is expected to be restored by tomorrow.
Meanwhile, snowfall continued in the higher reaches of Kashmir for sixth consecutive day today while rains lashed the Valley.
Snowfall was recorded in higher reaches including Gurez, Keran, Tangdhar, Uri, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, while most of the plains received light to moderate rain.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar said that weather conditions are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy today, with spells of light rain in plains and light snowfall over higher reaches at many places towards late afternoon and evening. “Improvement is expected thereafter”.
“From March 21 to 25, the weather is likely to remain generally dry across the region, with a brief spell of light rain or snowfall at isolated places on March 23.”
It said that from March 26 to 28 weather will be generally cloudy with light rain in the plains and snowfall over the higher reaches at a few places. “Another spell of light to moderate rain in plains and snowfall in higher reaches is expected at many places between March 29 and 31,” the MeT office said.Meanwhile, the department has issued an advisory stating that day temperatures are expected to rise gradually from March 21 onwards.
It warned of the possibility of thunder and gusty winds with speeds reaching 40-50 kmph, along with hailstorms at isolated locations.
Farmers have been advised to resume agricultural operations from March 21, keeping in view the expected improvement in weather conditions, officials said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority today issued an avalanche warning for higher reaches of north Kashmir, cautioning that areas above 2,600 metres in Baramulla and Kupwara districts are likely to face medium danger levels over the next 24 hours.
The authority advised residents, especially those in vulnerable locations, to remain alert and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone zones, stressing strict adherence to safety guidelines as conditions remain conducive for avalanche activity.
