JAMMU, Jan 16: The Trikuta hills surrounding the Mata Vaishnodevi cave shrine welcomed the season’s first snowfall, while rain affected many areas in the Jammu region, leading to the closure of the Mughal and Simthan roads.
Despite the wintry conditions, pilgrims continued their trek on foot to pay their respects at the shrine, according to officials.
“Experiencing snowflakes for the first time in my life, especially at the abode of Mata, feels like a true blessing,” shared a pilgrim from Pune.
The renowned tourist destination of Sanasar in Ramban district also witnessed moderate snowfall.
Officials reported moderate to heavy snowfall across various districts including Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Kathua, and Reasi.
As a result of the snowfall, some inter-district roads and the inter-regional Mughal and Simthan roads were rendered impassable.
However, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway remains open for traffic, despite rain affecting Ramban and Udhampur districts.
Traffic police issued a warning indicating that vehicles were moving slowly on the highway due to heavy snowfall in the Qazigund-Anantnag region and the Banihal area near the Navyug tunnel.
“Commuters are advised to avoid traveling on the highway if possible due to substantial snowfall on the Qazigund side,” the advisory stated.
