Normal life affected in Baramulla due to snowfall

Baramulla, Dec 28: The first spell of snowfall on Saturday has disrupted normal life across the Baramulla distric.

While the main roads, including the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, Baramulla -Sopore, Baramulla-Kuowara and other major routes have been cleared of snow, several interior roads remain blocked, causing significant inconvenience to the public.

The district’s major towns received around six inches of snow, with higher altitudes witnessing moderate accumulation.

Residents of far-flung areas, including Rafiabad, Uri, and the Kandi belt, have reported difficulties due to uncleared link roads.

The residents from Rafiabad area of the Baramulla district said that roads connecting Patoosa, Chatoosa, Kangroosa, Brandob, and other villages remain blocked following authorities' failure to clear these link roads from the snow.

Similarly, in Uri and Boniyar, slippery conditions have halted vehicular movement in the upper reaches.

In the Kandi belt, areas such as Pachhar Chandoosa, Masjid Angan, Rajpora, Thandakasi, Kawhar Bala, and Sultanpora are among those facing road closures.

Residents of these areas have urged the authorities to expedite snow clearance to restore connectivity.

Meanwhile the residents of Baramulla town, particularly in Sheikhul Alam Colony, Khawjabagh, and the old town, have called on the Municipal Council to deploy labourers for clearing inner lanes and bylanes.

They said that the slippery conditions caused by accumulated snow pose a threat to pedestrians and commuters alike.

"We urge the Municipal Council to take immediate action and clear the lanes and bylanes," said Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Khawjabagh.

Meanwhile the deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, said that the snow clearance on priority routes, including the Srinagar-Baramulla and Sopore-Kupwara highways, has been completed. Efforts to clear inner roads by the PMGSY and BRO are underway and expected to be completed by evening.

Regarding disrupted utilities, the Deputy Commissioner said that nine water supply schemes were affected but are expected to be restored soon.

He said additionally, efforts are ongoing to repair 40 affected power feeders and two 33 KV feeders in the district.

For the Tangmarg-Gulmarg road, authorities are working continuously to ensure tourists face no hardships.

"District authorities, along with the J&K Police, rescued stranded tourists and helped them reach their destinations on Saturday," said Sherpa.