Kashmir parts receive Fresh snowfall in higher reaches
Temperature dips across Valley
Srinagar: Few areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir, including the Gulmarg tourist resort, received fresh snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains on Sunday, officials said.
The upper reaches of Gulmarg, including Apharwat and Kongdoori bowls, received snowfall, which continued till last reports came in.Pir Ki Gali, along the Mughal Road in Shopian district of south Kashmir, and Sonamarg Zojilla axis also received fresh snowfall.
The snowfall on the Zojilla Pass forced the closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway, the officials added.
The plains of the valley, including Srinagar, were lashed by rains which were going on till last reports, the officials said.
The wet weather has brought down the day temperature across the valley.
The Meteorological Department has forecast erratic weather till March 20.
It said intermittent light to moderate rain, or snow in the higher reaches was likely till Monday morning.
There is a possibility of a brief spell of light rain or snow, in the higher reaches, at isolated places on Tuesday.
From March 18-20, the weather will remain generally cloudy with a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain or snow at many places.
The MeT Office said another wet spells is likely on March 24-25, with light rain, or snow in the higher reaches, at scattered places.
It said there is a possibility of thunder or gusty winds, about 40-50 kmph, at a few places on Sunday and Monday.
Meanwhile, vehicular movement on the road connecting Bandipora with the remote Gurez Valley has been suspended after fresh snowfall at Razdan Pass rendered the route slippery and unsafe for travel, officials said.
Authorities said snowfall at the high-altitude pass led to reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions, prompting the administration to suspend traffic on the nearly 85-kilometre Bandipora–Gurez road as a precautionary measure.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of commuters in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
“Due to fresh snowfall at Razdan Top, vehicular movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road shall remain suspended till further orders as a precautionary measure,” he said.
Officials added that several areas of the valley, including Dawar and Tulail Valley, also received fresh snowfall during the day.
The road passing through Razdan Top at an altitude of over 11,000 feet serves as the only major road link connecting Gurez Valley with the rest of Kashmir through Bandipora district, making it crucial for transportation of essential supplies and passenger movement.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and traffic will be restored once the weather improves and snow clearance operations are completed. Commuters have been advised to follow official advisories and avoid travelling on the route until further instructions.
