Fresh snowfall throws life out of gear across Baramulla
Baramulla, Jan 27: A second 1spell of snowfall on Tuesday brought normal life to a standstill across Baramulla district, compounding hardships for residents already grappling with disruptions from the previous snow spell.
The plains of the district received around eight to nine inches of fresh snowfall, while higher reaches recorded between one and one-and-a-half feet, officials said. The heavy accumulation also caused damage to residential structures at several places.
In Bodi Bugh Pattan, a residential house suffered major damage after its roof collapsed under the weight of snow, forcing the family to vacate the premises as snowmelt water entered the rooms. The affected family has appealed to the administration for immediate assistance and compensation, stating that they are living in abject poverty.
A similar incident was reported from Fatehgarh Sheeri, where another house roof caved in due to heavy snow.
The fresh snowfall further worsened the situation in areas where electricity and road connectivity had not been fully restored after the previous spell. In the upper reaches of Uri sub-division, electricity supply has remained snapped for the fifth consecutive day, leaving scores of villages in darkness.
An official of the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) said heavy snowfall damaged power lines and poles, while continuous accumulation has hampered restoration efforts. “The main lines were restored earlier, but the situation has again turned adverse due to fresh snowfall. Given the difficult terrain, it will take some more time to fully restore electricity in the upper reaches,” the official said.
In the higher reaches of Rafiabad, both road connectivity and power supply remained disrupted for the fifth straight day on Tuesday.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina, said four snow-clearance machines each were deployed in Sopore town and Rafiabad. “Priority-I roads have been cleared and work on Priority-II roads is underway. By evening, most roads are expected to be cleared,” he said.
He said that out of nearly 450 kilometres of inner link roads, about 300 kilometres have been cleared. “Out of 64 electricity feeders in Sopore, 56 have been restored, while the remaining are likely to be restored by evening. In Rafiabad, damage to the 33 KV line affected nine feeders, and restoration is underway,” he added.
Meanwhile, Baramulla police carried out multiple rescue operations across the district. A police spokesperson said a pregnant woman from Watergam was safely evacuated to SDH Kreeri, while an injured man from Mongam and an unconscious two-year-old girl from Thindma, Kreeri, were also rescued and shifted to hospital. The child is reported to be stable.
Residents have urged the authorities to expedite restoration of essential services as prolonged disruptions amid severe winter conditions continue to cause immense hardship.
