Snowfall batters Ganderbal, essential services disrupted
Ganderbal, Jan 23: Ganderbal district, along with other parts of the Kashmir Valley, witnessed moderate to heavy snowfall from Thursday evening that continued till Friday evening, severely disrupting normal life in the district.
Higher reaches of Ganderbal, including Sonamarg, Gagengar, Kullan, Gund, Wangath and Naranag, experienced continuous snowfall, with snow accumulation ranging between one to two feet. The famous tourist destination of Sonamarg recorded heavy snowfall of over two feet, while areas such as Gagengar, Kullan, Gund, Surfraw, Kangan and Wangath received nearly one to two feet of snow, bringing daily activities to a standstill.
Zojila Pass on the Srinagar–Leh highway recorded more than three feet of snow accumulation, leading to the complete closure of the highway for vehicular movement. Minor multiple avalanches were reported along the Sonamarg stretch, further forcing authorities to shut the road, although snow clearance machinery was pressed into service.
Continuous snowfall and slippery road conditions disrupted traffic movement, particularly on the Ganiwan–Gagengar (Sonamarg) stretch of the Srinagar–Leh highway. Officials said that Beacon and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) department deployed men and machinery on a war footing, and by evening, most main and link roads were cleared of snow.
Authorities said that due to slippery road conditions, only four-wheel-drive vehicles and those fitted with anti-skid chains would be allowed to ply towards Gagengar. Snow clearance operations were also intensified in and around Sonamarg by the Sonamarg Development Authority, Beacon and the R&B department.
Gusty winds accompanying the snowfall damaged a newly constructed house at Awan Mohalla in the Yarmuqam area of Ganderbal. The affected family has appealed to the authorities for immediate assistance.
Meanwhile, the heavy snowfall snapped the electricity supply across the entire Ganderbal district. Power supply was restored by Friday evening as Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited employees braved harsh weather conditions to repair damaged lines.
Ganderbal Police, on the directions of SSP Ganderbal, remained deployed at multiple locations to assess the situation and assist the public. In Gund area, the SHO Gund along with the ASP Ganderbal, was seen extending help to commuters amid ongoing snowfall and slippery road conditions. Personnel from the SOG and CRPF also participated in the relief efforts.
In view of the heavy snowfall, authorities issued an avalanche warning for the higher reaches of Ganderbal district. An official advisory stated that as per the avalanche forecast indicating high-intensity avalanche activity above 2,300 metres in the district for the next 24 hours, the general public has been advised to remain highly vigilant and strictly avoid venturing into avalanche-prone areas, including slopes, hilly terrain and higher reaches, until further notice. Residents, tourists and nomadic communities have been urged to follow official advisories and cooperate with the administration in the interest of public safety. In case of emergencies, the public has been asked to contact the 24x7 District Emergency Control Room at DC Office, Mini Secretariat, Ganderbal.
Officials said that on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, men and machinery have been kept on standby for snow clearance operations, and field staff of all departments have been directed to remain alert, with priority being given to clearing main roads. They added that almost all essential services have been restored in the district.
