Chillai Kalan in full swing
Srinagar, Dec 30: Cold wave conditions tightened their grip on Kashmir, particularly in tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, where temperatures plunged several degrees below freezing point.
Other parts of Kashmir experienced relative relief from the harsh winter, officials said on Monday.
The Meteorological Department officials here said that Gulmarg skiing destination in north Kashmir recorded a biting low of minus 10 degrees Celsius, two degrees colder than the previous night.
Pahalgam in south Kashmir registered a minimum temperature of minus 9.2 degrees Celsius, down from minus 8.5 degrees the previous night.
Srinagar saw its night temperature dip to minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, slightly above the season’s normal. Other areas in Kashmir also reported sub-zero temperatures, with Qazigund recording minus 2.8 degrees Celsius.
Konibal in Pampore logged a low of minus 1.4 degrees Celsius.
In contrast, Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of 0.1 degrees Celsius, making it the only location in Kashmir where the mercury stayed above the freezing point.
Kokernag in south Kashmir saw a minimum of minus 1 degree Celsius.
Kashmir is currently in the midst of Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harshest phase of winter that began on December 21.
This period is typically marked by the coldest temperatures and frequent snowfall, which often lead to a significant drop in temperatures.
Srinagar-Jammu National Highway open
M M Parvaiz reports from Ramban
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for two-way traffic of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles on Monday.
The traffic authorities said that the highway remained open but traffic movement remained slow due to the breakdown of a few heavy vehicles and single-lane and poor condition of the road stretch at Dalwass, Mehar Cafeteria, and between Maroog and Kishtwar Pathar areas of Ramban.
They said that despite the slow movement, hundreds of vehicles crossed the Chenani-Nashri and Banihal-Qazigund tunnels till late Monday evening.
Senior Superintendent, Traffic Police, National Highway, Ramban, Rohit Baskotra told Greater Kashmir that traffic was plying on both sides although at a slow pace at a few places on the highway.
He advised the commuters and drivers to follow traffic advisories issued from time to time by the Traffic Police Headquarters in Kashmir and Jammu.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Department issued a fresh advisory for Tuesday stating that subject to fair weather and good road conditions, LMVs and heavy vehicles would be allowed to ply on both sides of the highway.
The Traffic Police once again advised commuters, passengers, and LMV operators not to undertake journeys on the highway during the night due to apprehension of shooting stones between the Ramban and Banihal sectors.
“For safe and secure journeys, prefer journeys on the highway during the day time only,” the Traffic Police advised.
Srinagar-Leh NH reopens partially for traffic
Irfan Raina reports from Ganderbal
After remaining closed for three days due to snowfall and slippery road conditions, the Srinagar-Leh National Highway has been reopened partially for passenger traffic.
The official said that after the snow clearance on the highway was completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and on Monday, nearly 100 stranded vehicles were allowed to travel from Sonamarg towards Kargil.
To ensure safe travel, drivers were instructed to equip their vehicles with anti-skid chains, especially in the treacherous sections of Zojila Pass, where snow and ice had created slippery conditions.
“Vehicles not fitted with these chains were prohibited from plying,” they said.
The authorities have asked drivers to wait for the traffic plan and follow the instructions and advisory to ensure their safety.
Mughal Road restoration likely by Tuesday
Sumit Bhargav reports from Rajouri
The Mechanical Engineering Department has completed the necessary work for snow clearance on the Mughal Road upto Pir Ki Gali from the Poonch side and the road restoration is likely by Tuesday.
On Sunday evening, the men and machinery of the department had cleared the snow up to Pir Ki Gali from the Shopian side.
The vital Mughal Road connecting twin districts Rajouri and Poonch with Kashmir was closed on Friday after fresh snowfall while the Mechanical Engineering Department completed the snow clearance work from the Shopian side on Sunday evening and from the Poonch side on Monday evening.
Assistant Engineer, Tariq Mahmood told Greater Kashmir that after clearing the snow from the road surface on a single-lane basis, the men and machinery of the department were now working to widen the road for the movement of vehicles from two sides.
He said that the snow clearance machinery of the department reached Pir Ki Gali from the Poonch side on Monday evening while the machinery on the Shopian side was already present and had completed the snow clearance work on Sunday evening.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Surankote, Farooq Khan Nazki said that if the weather remains clear, the Mughal Road would be thrown open for traffic on Tuesday.
“The Mechanical Engineering Department has cleared snow from the Mughal Road up to Pir Ki Gali and we are expecting restoration of the road by Tuesday morning. However, the situation entirely depends upon clear weather conditions,” he said.
