Snowfall throws life out of gear in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 5: Snowfall on Sunday evening brought life to a standstill in the summer capital, disrupting traffic and causing slippery road conditions.

Though there was a forecast of snowfall from the morning, however, it started to snow in the evening. The sudden snowfall led to multiple incidents of vehicles skidding off the roads, causing traffic snarls.

Many areas in the city also reported waterlogging, prompting the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to mobilise its men and machinery to deal with the crisis. However, residents and pedestrians complained about the slow response to the situation.

“It was complete chaos on the roads. Traffic came to a standstill near Jahangir Chowk, and I had to walk some distance to reach home. The roads were slippery, and I saw a couple of vehicles skidding dangerously,” said Abdul Razak.

Abdul Hameed, a businessman from Batamaloo said that every year, snowfall causes similar issues. “During the snowfall, there were fewer traffic personnel to manage traffic on and people were stuck for some time,” he said.

Several areas in Srinagar, including Rajbagh, Bemina, and Jawahar Nagar, faced waterlogging due to the accumulation of melting snow. Shopkeepers in these areas complained about the inconvenience caused to their businesses.

Officials of Srinagar Municipal Corporation said that efforts were being made to clear the waterlogged areas. They said their teams were working round the clock to clear snow and ensure that drainage systems remain functional.

At the same time, pedestrians had a tough time navigating through the city as pavements and roads turned into slippery hazard zones.

The traffic police issued an advisory late in the evening, urging motorists to drive cautiously and avoid unnecessary travel. “Snowfall has made the roads slippery. We request commuters to avoid rash driving to prevent accidents,” traffic police officials said.

The people have urged the administration to deploy more resources and streamline snow clearance operations to minimize disruptions in the future.