Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Nov 13 (KNS): The Border Roads Organisation (BRO/Beacon) restored traffic connectivity on the Bandipora-Gurez road at around 10 PM on Friday despite heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, facilitating the evacuation of emergency patients from the remote Gurez Valley.

Officials said the road was cleared following directions from Deputy Commissioner Bandipora as snowfall in the higher reaches disrupted connectivity, making the movement of patients requiring urgent medical attention difficult.

The snow clearance operation was carried out under challenging weather conditions, with Razdan Pass receiving more than one foot of fresh snowfall during the past 24 hours, while Gurez Valley recorded around three to five inches of snow.

Temperatures in Gurez dropped to around minus 9 degrees Celsius late Friday evening, adding to the difficulties faced by personnel engaged in clearing the road.

Despite the severe cold and accumulation of snow along the mountainous route, BRO/Beacon personnel continued clearance operations until the road was restored at around 10 PM.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Officials said Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gurez and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gurez remained on the ground to monitor the operation and coordinate arrangements for the safe movement of emergency patients.

The Bandipora-Gurez road, which passes through the high-altitude Razdan Pass, is a vital surface link connecting the border valley with the rest of Kashmir. The route frequently faces disruptions during winter because of heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.

The restoration of the road late in the evening enabled emergency movement along the route despite the difficult conditions.

Officials said the clearance operation was undertaken on priority to ensure that patients requiring urgent medical assistance could be transported safely.

The operation highlighted the challenges of maintaining road connectivity to Gurez during winter, when snowfall and sub-zero temperatures can restrict movement along the mountainous stretch. (KNS)