Snowfall disrupts normal life in south Kashmir, Chenab Valley

Anantnag, Shopian, Jan 16: Parts of south Kashmir and the Chenab Valley received fresh snowfall on Thursday, disrupting transportation and daily activities.

The upper reaches of Anantnag recorded up to 8 inches of snow, while the low-lying areas saw a couple of inches. In areas like Kokernag, Daksum, Verinag, and Kapran, snowfall accumulated up to 8 inches. Qazigund and Pahalgam recorded around 4 inches, and Anantnag town experienced lighter snowfall.

High-altitude regions, including Sinthan Top and Margan Top along the Kokernag-Kishtwar and Kokernag-Warwan-Marwa roads, received over 10 inches of snow.

Both roads already remain closed to traffic due to heavy accumulation of snow..

In Kulgam district, DH Pora, DK Marg, and Aharbal recorded moderate snowfall, while Kulgam town received a light dusting. Shopian and Pulwama districts saw light snowfall, with higher reaches like Sedow, Dobijan, Hirpora, and parts of Pulwama accumulating a few inches. Peer Ki Gali on the Mughal Road also recorded some snowfall.

The Chenab Valley, including Banihal , Bhaderwah, Warwan, Marwa experienced snowfall as well.

The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, particularly the Qazigund-Banihal stretch, became slippery, slowing traffic to a crawl.

Kokernag and other roads leading to district headquarters were rendered slippery due to snow.

The Mechanical Engineering Division deployed men and machinery to clear the roads, and the snowfall ceased by late afternoon.

Train Services Suspended in Kashmir.

Fresh snowfall also led to the suspension of train services on the Banihal-Budgam rail section.

An official said the tracks have since been cleared of snow, and train operations are expected to resume on Friday, weather permitting.

Meanwhile, parts of south Kashmir's Shopian and Pulwama district received a fresh spell of snowfall on Thursday morning.

A thin layer of snow, over an inch, carpeted the plains of Shopian district, while the upper reaches like Sedow, Heerpora, Dubjan and Kellar experienced received 2 to 4 inches of snow.

Dubjan along the heritage Mughal road received 4 to 6 inches of snow.

Following the recently held  winter carnival, the administration had decided to keep the road up to Dubijan, from 11 am to 3 pm,  open for visitors. However, the fresh snowfall spurred the authorities to shut the road for the tourists and travellers.

District Commissioner ( DC)  Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar told Greater Kashmir that all the streets and thoroughfares in the entire district were open.

"It was a light snowfall", said the DC.

In neighbouring Pulwama district, a light snowfall blanketed  both the plains and upper reaches of the district.

Mohammad  Amir  a resident from Pulwama's Muchpuna neighbourhood said that the town received a brief snow flurry, which failed to accumulate on the ground.

Residents from upper reaches like Abhama, Achgoza and Sangarwani said that these areas received barely 1 to inches of snow.

An official said that all utility services in the district were operating smoothly.