Traffic restored on Sgr-Jammu NH
Srinagar: Barely 48 hours after the weather improved in Kashmir, the weatherman here has predicted another moderate wet-spell in Jammu and Kashmir from March 01.
Director Meteorological department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that there is no forecast of any weather activity till February 26.
However, he said that light to moderate rain and snow is expected at many places during February 27 and February 28.
Dr Mukhtar also stated that on February 29th, there is a possibility of light rains and snow at isolated places.
Nonetheless, the weatherman forecasted a moderate spell of rains and snow from March 01, saying that from March 01 to March 03, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at most places with heavy rain and snow at isolated middle & higher reaches during March 02 and 03.
He further stated that the exact details of the forecast will be shared in the coming days.
In its advisory, the MeT office has said that in view of heavy to very heavy snowfall over few middle & higher reaches, the travellers and tourists are advised to follow administration and traffic police advisory.
“General public over hilly areas are advised not to venture in avalanche prone areas & sloppy areas,” it reads and appealed to people to follow avalanche warnings & advisories.
It further added that there are chances of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at few places as well.
Pertinently, the landslide, mudslide and shooting stones forced the closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and other major roads and highways.
The work on the restoration of vehicular movement on the highway was going on and it was thrown open partially for the stranded vehicles yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Jammu & Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued a “Low Danger Level” avalanche warning for the higher reaches of six districts of J&K within the next 24 hours.
JKDMA officials said that an avalanche with “low danger” level is likely to occur above 2300 metres over Bandipora district of north Kashmir and in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district in the next 24 hours.
“Avalanche with Low Danger Level is likely to occur above 2300 meters above sea level over Bandipore and Ganderbal,” the officials said.
According to the official twitter handle of Jammu Kashmir Disaster Management Authority, a similar warning with 2300 metres above sea level has been issued for Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, and Ramban districts of the Jammu division.
JKDMA has urged locals in these areas to exercise caution and refrain from venturing into avalanche-prone areas until further notice. The authorities have emphasized the importance of dialing 112 for assistance during emergencies.
“People living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas till further orders. dial-112 for help,” the officials added. KNO
Meanwhile, traffic was restored on the strategic Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Friday although the movement was slow due to single lane traffic.
An official of the traffic department said that traffic was moving on the national highway, but with a slow movement in the Ramsoo sector due to single lane and poor surface.
“Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline as there is single lane traffic at Dalwas, Cafeteria-Mehad, Gangroo and poor surface condition of road at many places between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel.
“Drive with caution due to the possibility of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal”.
Traffic was restored on Thursday only for stranded vehicles after three days.
The Srinagar-Jammu highway is the lifeline of supplies for the landlocked Kashmir as all essential supplies are brought in through this road.
Meanwhile, Srinagar-Leh highway, Mughal Road, Kupwara-Tangdhar road and Sinthan-Kishtwar road are still snowbound and closed. IANS/KNO
