SRINAGAR, Dec 28: The Valley experienced significant disruption due to heavy snowfall on Saturday, with numerous vehicles stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway between the Pir Panjal tunnel and the city of Srinagar. Contrary to forecasts that predicted light snowfall in isolated areas, heavy snowfall commenced on Friday afternoon and continued into Saturday morning. The slippery roads led to hundreds of vehicles being stuck, particularly inside the tunnel, where they remained for several hours as heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures froze the snow on the highway. Authorities worked urgently to clear the blockage, but the intensity of the snow made progress extremely slow, with many vehicles skidding off the road as drivers struggled to maneuver through the snow.
Senior civil and police officials mobilized snow clearance equipment in Kulgam and Anantnag districts in an effort to freed the stranded vehicles. However, by Saturday morning, traffic on the National Highway had not been fully restored. To assist those affected by the unexpected heavy snowfall, authorities established helplines in each district of the Valley. Roads throughout Srinagar city and neighboring districts, including Budgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian, were obstructed by the snow, prompting the deployment of snow clearance machinery to reopen them.
Besides transportation issues, electric power supply was severely disrupted across the region, with only certain parts of Srinagar experiencing service. The heavy snowfall uprooted electric poles, severed transmission lines, and caused damage to power supply grids. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, local residents expressed relief and joy as the long dry spell was broken, creating hope for a good Babi crop. For months, many perennial springs and wells had been at low levels due to inadequate precipitation.
It was noted that Srinagar city and surrounding areas, including the lower plains, experienced the first significant snowfall of the season yesterday. The snowfall brought delight to the many tourists visiting the Valley, with around 10 inches of fresh snow reported in popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. The weather office has predicted more rain and snow in the coming 24 hours. (Agencies)
