Kashmir on Monday received fresh snowfall leading to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar Highway even as air traffic at Srinagar Airport was also suspended because of poor visibility.
This is the first major snowfall in Kashmir this winter, which was largely dry so far. There was some snowfall in early December and since then the weather has been mostly dry.
The snowfall started at 5 a.m on Monday and continued through the day intermittently. “There will be some improvement in weather conditions from Tuesday,” director Meteorological department Sonam lotus told Greater Kashmir.
The snowfall led to closure of Srinagar-Jammu Highway. “Due to slippery road conditions and fresh snowfall at the Jawahar tunnel and other areas, the highway has been closed for traffic,” SSP traffic (Rural) Ajaz Ahmad Bhat told Greater Kashmir.
Hundreds of vehicles including passenger vehicles are stranded on the highway.
The snowfall also led to poor visibility at the Srinagar Airport, leading to cancellation of all flights. “No flight operated on Monday because of snowfall and fog,” director Srinagar Airport, Sharad Kumar told Greater Kashmir. “There was snow on the runway.”
Reports from Chenab valley said that people Monday morning woke up to a pleasant surprise to witness fresh snowfall.
Bhadarwah, Kailash Mountain Range, Padri Gali, Bhaal Padri, Braid Bal, Nehyed Chilly and Asha Pati Glacier, Bhadarwah town, Jaie Gathi Bhadarwah town and its surrounding villages received fresh snowfall since early morning.
According to reports, Bhalla, Kota Top, Marwah, Dachhan, Keshwan, Gandoh, Bhallessa, Malanoo, Batote,Gool, Banihal and other parts of Chenab valley also witnessed moderate to heavy snowfall.
(With Tahir Nadeem, Shahid Rafiq and Muhammad Taskeen)