Srinagar-Leh NH closed

Ganderbal, Apr 29:  The Srinagar-Leh National Highway remained closed for the movement of traffic due to the fresh snowfall and slides in the upper reaches including Sonamarg and Zojila Pass on Monday.

The Sonamarg health resort received about 3 to 4 inches of snow while Zojila Pass received 6 to 7 inches of snow.

The inclement weather also triggered landslides at different spots along the Sonamarg road and Zojila Pass, triggering road closure. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Traffic, Rural Kashmir, Ravinder Pal Singh who visited Sonamarg and Zojila Pass on Monday said that the highway had been closed for the movement of traffic and would remain closed till Tuesday.

Singh said that once the weather conditions improve and road clearance is done then only would the decision to allow traffic be made.

He also visited the accident spot near Hung, Sonamarg, where a cab with at least nine persons in it rolled into the nallah Sindh on Sunday.

So far, five people have died in the accident.

Singh briefed all the officers and officials available and advised them to be alert, available, and prompt in their actions and perform their duties with the highest level of discipline and professionalism. Meanwhile, an avalanche struck the Sarbal area of Sonamarg around midday.

The avalanche occurred on the forest side of the area, resulting in no damage.  The machines were pressed into service for snow clearance work.