Fresh snowfall occurs in upper reaches of Pir Panjal

Rajouri, Feb 4: A fresh snowfall occurred in upper reaches of twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Pir Panjal region today.

This fresh spell of snowfall started on Saturday evening and continued till Sunday late evening.

Earlier, five days ago, season's first massive snowfall spell was witnessed in the region that brought to an end the two and half month long dry season.

This is the second heavy snowfall that the region witnessed in present winter season. It started on Saturday late evening. Moderate intensity of snowfall was witnessed in upper reaches of region while light snowfall also occurred in some low lying reaches.

As per reports, all the upper reaches in twin districts like areas of Budhal, Kotranka, Darhal, Thanamandi and Manjakote in Rajouri district while upper reaches of Poonch district including areas of Surankote, Mendhar, Mandi received snowfall and are covered under white blanket of snow. The snowfall in some upper peaks is several feet while it is upto the level of around one feet to one and a half feet in human habitated areas located close to these upper reaches.

"We have received plenty of snowfall in our areas and it is a healthy sign," said Abdul Majid from Kotranka. He added that earlier people were facing immense problems due to dry cold season amid lack of rainfall and snowfall.

The fresh snowfall has once again affected surface transportation in the areas of twin districts Rajouri and Poonch with many roads either closed for movement of vehicles or are affected in terms of movement. Assistant Engineer Mechanical Engineering Department, Tariq Mahmood said that atleast 10 roads have either been fully or partially restored for traffic on Sunday. He informed that snow clearance work was carried out on atleast 10 roads in Poonch district on Sunday that include road from Mandi to Loran, Mandi to Saujiyan, Loran to Sultan Patri, Loran to Batalkote Bela Bala,Danna link road in Mandi, Saujiyan to Gagriyan, Saujiyan to Gali Maidan, Bufliyaz to Marha, Behram Gala to Chandi Marh.

Assistant Engineer said that these roads have been restored completely to partially amid snowfall.

He added that snow clearance work on road from Chandimarh to Poshana will be launched on Monday subject to fair weather conditions.