Snowfall brings Kupwara to standstill
Kupwara, Feb 27: The widespread snowfall on Thursday across north Kashmir’s Kupwara district caused severe hardships for the people while several areas remained cut off from district headquarters, throwing normal life out of gear.
The snowfall, which began Thursday afternoon, continued till late evening with around 5 to 6 inches of snow accumulated in the plains while 2 to 3 feet of snow was recorded in the upper reaches.
As snowfall intensified, people rushed back to the comfort of their homes earlier than usual, while business establishments shut down prematurely, abandoning their regular operating hours.
The snowfall caused widespread power and drinking water disruption, giving tough times to the common people.
Power outages plagued most areas, leaving residents to rely on candles and alternative lighting sources to illuminate their homes after sunset.
Snowfall caused slippery conditions at Watayin, Langate, Talri Bridge, and many other places due to which private and public vehicles were stuck for several hours in these areas.
Later, civilians and Police came to the rescue of the drivers.
People from Upper Rajwar said over the phone that the road from Zachaldara to Wader was not cleared of snow, causing hardships for the people.
People from Sarmarg Handwara also complained that the road to their area was yet to be cleared of snow.
They said that whenever the area witnesses snowfall, it remains cut off from Handwara for days together.
Meanwhile, complaints poured in from main town Kupwara where people faced a lot of hardships due to water logging.
People blamed the Municipal Council Kupwara for the choked drainage system and said that all lanes and the bypass turn nightmarish for people whenever there is snowfall or rain.
Similar complaints were received from the main market Handwara where shopkeepers and people had to wade through the waters.
A shopkeeper complained that due to the lack of a proper drainage system at the main market Handwara, people and shopkeepers face problems.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara, Rauf Rehman told Greater Kashmir that men and machinery were on their toes to clear the accumulated snow from roads so that people do not face inconvenience.
“We are duty-bound and are making all possible efforts to bring ease to the people,” he added.
Rehman said that helplines had been established at every tehsil headquarters to deal with any emergency.
The upper reaches of Kupwara district, including Karnah, Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Jumagand, and Kumkadi, remained cut off from the district headquarters for the second consecutive day due to fresh snowfall.
Farmers across the district welcomed the snowfall, saying that it was essential for a better crop.
“The snow will help replenish groundwater levels and ensure a better yield in the coming season,” said Aadil Akbar, a young agriculturist from Bakiaker, Handwara.
Authorities advised people to remain cautious while commuting on roads as the conditions may deteriorate due to snowfall.
Meanwhile, efforts were underway to ensure essential services remained uninterrupted.
