Srinagar-Leh NH closed

Ganderbal, Feb 27: The higher reaches of Kashmir including Zojila Pass and Sonamarg health resort experienced fresh snowfall on Thursday and the authorities temporarily closed the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.

Sonamarg health resort received over 1 foot of snow while the Zojila Pass received about 2 feet of snow till Thursday evening.

“It has been snowing in Sonamarg and Zojila since Thursday morning. The traffic from both the Sonamarg and Kargil sides has been stopped. Any further decision to allow traffic on the road will be subjected to improvement in weather conditions and clearance from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO),” a Traffic Police official said.

An avalanche occurred in the Minamarg area of Drass, blocking the road.

The district administration Ganderbal issued an avalanche warning for higher areas of the district and urged people living near hilly areas to be cautious and avoid venturing into the avalanche-prone areas.

Meanwhile, the tourists were seen enjoying the snowfall at Sonamarg.

“We are happy that it is snowing here this time of year and it made our visit to Kashmir more pleasant,” a group of tourists said.

However, the slippery road conditions on the Kangan-Gagangir road disrupted the traffic movement.