Srinagar-Leh highway closes for traffic, avalanche warning issued for Ganderbal higher reaches

Ganderbal, Feb 20: Ganderbal district witnessed moderate to heavy snowfall since Sunday evening that continued till Tuesday afternoon disrupting normal life here.

Higher reaches of the district including Sonamarg, Gagengar, Kullan, Gund, Wangath, Naranag received moderate to heavy but continuous snowfall resulting in the accumulation of the snow above 1-5 ft. Famous tourist destination Sonamarg received heavy snowfall of about 5 ft of snow, while Gagengar, Kullan, Gund, Surfraw, Kangan, Wangath received near 1-2 ft disrupting the normal life here.

Zojila Pass on Srinagar-Leh highway received over 4-5 ft of snow resulting in the closure of the highway for any vehicular movement. Minor multiple avalanches along Sonamarg road resulted in the closure of the road.

The continuous snowfall and slippery road conditions led to disruption of the traffic movement particularly between Ganiwan to Gagengar (Sonamarg) on the Srinagar-Leh highway. However the Beacon and R&B pressed its men and machinery into service for snow clearance work with the majority of the main and link roads cleared by evening.

In view of the slippery condition of the road, the authorities have said that only 4x4 and vehicles with anti-skid chains will be allowed to ply towards Gagangeer. The authorities have issued an avalanche warning for several higher areas of Ganderbal district amid heavy snowfall.

“Avalanche with high danger level is likely to occur above 2200 metres over Ganderbal in the next 24 hours. People living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas. Dial-112 for any help JK DMA,” JK disaster management said.