Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Road and Air Traffic in J&K: A Comprehensive Overview
Srinagar 01 March 2025: The recent heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir has had a significant impact on road and air traffic, causing widespread disruptions and concerns. The higher reaches of Kashmir, including popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, experienced moderate to heavy snowfall, while the plains saw moderate rainfall and light snowfall. This detailed article will explore the effects of the snowfall, the response from authorities, and the broader implications for the region.
Weather Overview:
According to the Meteorological Department, the snowfall began in many areas of the Valley by Thursday evening. Srinagar’s Met Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad noted that the weather was expected to improve starting late Friday afternoon. The cumulative precipitation from February 25-28 recorded the highest snow depth in Gulmarg, with 113 mm, followed by Sonamarg with 75 mm in Central Kashmir. Authorities have been carrying out snow clearance operations throughout the region to mitigate the impact of the snowfall.
Impact on Road Traffic:
Srinagar-Leh National Highway:
The Srinagar-Leh National Highway was shut after snow accumulation at the Zojila Pass. This crucial highway is a lifeline for the region, connecting Srinagar to Leh in Ladakh. The closure of this highway has significant implications for the movement of goods and people between the two regions. Efforts are underway to clear the snow and reopen the highway as soon as possible.
Other Key Roads:
Several other roads in the Valley have also been closed due to the snowfall. The Mughal Road, which connects the Poonch and Rajouri districts with South Kashmir, was closed due to heavy snow accumulation. Additionally, the Sinthan Top Road, which connects Kishtwar with Anantnag, was also shut down. These closures have caused significant disruptions to local communities and travelers.
Impact on Air Traffic:
Srinagar Airport:
At Srinagar Airport, all morning flights were delayed due to the adverse weather conditions. A senior official confirmed that flight operations resumed after 11 am once the weather improved. The delays have caused inconvenience to travelers and have highlighted the challenges of operating flights in adverse weather conditions.
Response from Authorities:
Snow Clearance Operations:
Authorities have been actively involved in snow clearance operations throughout the region. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has deployed men and machinery to clear the snow from roads and restore connectivity. The snow clearance efforts are focused on reopening key highways and ensuring that essential services are not disrupted.
Public Safety Advisories:
Authorities have also issued advisories to the public, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel due to the hazardous conditions created by heavy snowfall and slippery roads. Residents and travelers have been advised to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.
Broader Implications:
Impact on Daily Life:
The fresh snowfall has provided much-needed relief to residents after a prolonged dry winter. The prolonged dry spell had led to significant concerns, including the drying up of the historic Achabal Mughal Garden’s natural spring in South Kashmir. The snowfall has replenished water sources and provided a much-needed boost to the local ecosystem.
Impact on Tourism:
The heavy snowfall has also had a positive impact on the tourism sector. The fresh snow has transformed popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam into winter wonderlands, attracting tourists from across the country. The snowfall has provided a boost to winter tourism activities, including skiing and snowboarding.
Challenges for Farmers:
While the snowfall has been beneficial in many ways, it has also presented challenges for farmers in the region. The heavy snow has covered farmlands, making it difficult for farmers to carry out their agricultural activities. The prolonged dry spell had already impacted crop yields, and the snowfall has added to the challenges faced by farmers.
Bottom-Line:
The recent heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir has had a significant impact on road and air traffic, causing widespread disruptions and concerns. However, the snowfall has also provided much-needed relief to residents and has had a positive impact on the tourism sector. As the weather improves, authorities are working tirelessly to clear the snow and restore normalcy in the region.
