Snow breakers continue to remain a pipe dream

Shopian, Nov 9: Every winter, as snow blankets south Kashmir’s Shopian town, pedestrians and residents are forced to battle thick snow accumulation on main roads — a problem made worse by snow sliding off the slanted rooftops of shops and commercial buildings.

Locals say that despite repeated promises, authorities have failed to implement long-standing regulations requiring the installation of snow breakers — metal fixtures that prevent large chunks of snow from cascading onto public walkways and roads.

“Snow falls from the rooftops and piles up in front of shops. It becomes impossible for pedestrians to walk or for snow clearance machines to operate properly,” said Mitha Gatoo, a social activist from Shopian.

In August 2021, the Municipal Council Shopian (MCS) had issued a circular directing all commercial building owners with slanted rooftops facing public roads to install snow breakers, citing repeated hazards caused by falling snow during winters.

However, more than four years later, the order remains largely ignored. Most shop owners in the main market have yet to install the devices, leaving the town vulnerable to the same recurring problem each year.

“You won’t find snow breakers installed anywhere in the main market,” Gatoo said. “Shopian is known for heavy snowfall, and such fixtures could have prevented many road blockages.”

Residents say the failure to enforce the directive highlights the administration’s lack of preparedness for winter challenges. They have urged the municipal authorities to take immediate action and ensure compliance before heavy snowfall begins this season.