Inter-state highways closed following snow storms in upper reaches of Bhadarwah

Bhadarwah, Feb 19: The district administration has ordered closer of twin inter-state highways passing through Bhadarwah for vehicular movement due to snow accumulation at Padri Galli and Chatter Galla Pass and reports of heavy snow storm in upper reaches.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhadarwah, Vinod Sharma said that keeping in view the safety of visitors and after some tourist vehicles got stuck up in snow storm near Guldanda, district administration has restricted vehicular moment on Bhadarwah-Pathankot and Bhadarwah - Chamba inter-state highways respectively.

Upper reaches of Bhadarwah valley received fresh snowfall since Sunday morning with the weather department predicting heavy to very heavy snow over the higher reaches over three days, starting yesterday.

According to reports Chattergalla Pass and famous tourist destination Guldanda on Bhadarwah-Pathankot inter-state highway located at a height of 11,000 and 9555 feet above sea level respectively have received four feet to six feet of snow till afternoon beside five feet snow was recorded at Padri Galli on Bhadarwah-Chamba interstate road.

Following heavy snowfall since Sunday afternoon, particularly on 30 km stretch from Thanala to Khundi Maral on inter-state Bhadarwah-Chamba road and 25 km stretch from Thantera to Chattar Galla Pass on Bhadarwah-Pathankot National Highway, district administration Doda was compelled to suspend all kind of traffic movement on these roads.” It is snowing heavily and road has become very slippery and there is also apprehension of avalanches, "said Vinod Sharma, SP Bhadarwah, adding that traffic will remain suspended till further orders.

"I appeal to all the tour operators and hoteliers not to guide any tourists to venture on these roads as yesterday a couple of tourist vehicles got stuck in snow storm in Guldanda area and after hectic efforts by BRO and Police they were rescued late night," officer added.