Srinagar, Nov 12: Light intermittent snowfall continued in some of the higher reaches of Kashmir, resulting in the closure of vital routes in the upper areas of the valley, officials said on Tuesday.
The season’s first snowfall in Kashmir, which began on Monday, continued at many places during the night, the officials said.
They said reports of snowfall were received from the upper areas of Gulmarg and Sonamarg tourist resorts.
Parts of the Kupwara and Bandipora districts also witnessed snowfall.
The snowfall led to the temporary closure of Srinagar-Leh national highway and other vital routes in the higher reaches of the valley, the officials said.
Authorities, including the Border Roads Organisation, pressed their men and machinery into service to clear the snow this morning, they said.
The officials said while the Srinagar-Leh highway was cleared for traffic, Mughal Road, the alternate route connecting the Kashmir valley with the Jammu region, and Sinthan Top, which connects Bandipora with the frontier Gurez sector, were closed for traffic due to the accumulation of snow.
The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather till November 13.
From November 14-15, there is a possibility of light rain/light snow, especially in the higher reaches, at many places of Kashmir and a few places of Jammu Division, while on November 16, there are chances of light rain/light snow in the higher reaches at scattered places, the MeT Office said.
It said from November 17-23, the weather would remain generally dry.
Meanwhile, In anticipation of the winter season and the expected increase in tourist footfall, a meeting was today convened by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa.
The meeting brought together representatives from various line departments to review and strengthen winter preparedness in Gulmarg, with a focus on infrastructure, safety, and essential services to ensure a seamless winter experience for all.
The review meeting underscored the importance of proactive measures to maintain Gulmarg’s status as a premiere winter destination. The discussions centered on snow clearance, road connectivity, power and water supply, healthcare, and accommodation readiness.
The meeting addressed the important issue of snow clearance and road connectivity. Line departments presented strategies to ensure that the Tangmarg-Gulmarg route remains clear and accessible, even during heavy snowfall. Additional machinery will be deployed to enable rapid snow clearance, ensuring smooth travel for both tourists and locals.
To ensure reliable power and water supply throughout the winter season, the Power Development Department (PDD) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) departments shared their action plans. Backup resources are in place to prevent service disruptions, ensuring that essential services continue without interruption during peak tourist periods.
In terms of healthcare, the Medical Department was directed to enhance medical services in Gulmarg, including the availability of emergency response teams and stationed ambulances. These measures are specifically designed to address snow-related injuries and hypothermia cases, ensuring quick and effective medical intervention.
The Tourism Department confirmed that all accommodations in the area had undergone maintenance checks and are winter-ready, equipped with heating and safety measures to provide a comfortable environment for visitors during the winter season.
The DC emphasized the importance of coordination between departments, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Effective communication and collaboration were highlighted as essential to ensuring the smooth operation of Gulmarg and maintaining its reputation as a safe winter destination.
The Director of Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob Farooq. Emphasized the need for preparedness as winter approaches, urging officers to ensure all tourist facilities are equipped for the season.
He called for enhanced coordination with the Hotel Association to guarantee that accommodations meet safety and comfort standards. Officers were also tasked with providing timely updates to visitors about weather conditions and events, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience in Gulmarg.
SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, Ravinder Pal Singh briefed the chair on the winter traffic plan, focusing on the Narbal-Gulmarg route, especially Tangmarg to Gulmarg, and the inner routes of Gulmarg. Key measures include improved traffic management, personnel deployment, and safety protocols to ensure smooth flow during the winter season.
The meeting was attended by CEO Gulmarg, SDM Gulmarg, Officers from line departments, and representatives from the Hotel Association, Taxi Association, and ATVs Association, among others. All participants expressed their commitment to ensuring a safe and memorable experience for both tourists and locals this winter season.
