Srinagar, Jan 30 (KNS): Normal life in Kashmir was disrupted on the final day of the 'Chilla-i-Kalan', the harshest winter period in the region, on Monday as fresh snowfall snapped the Valley's connections with the rest of the country, affecting surface and air traffic, officials said
An official said that the summer capital Srinagar received five to seven inches of snow, with snow continuing to fall till Monday morning. Tourist hotspot Pahalgam recorded 10 inches, Gulmarg eight inches and Sonamarg above six inches. Nadimarg in Kulgam and Tulail in Bandipora recorded the highest 10 inches of snowfall
The wet weather and poor invisibility forced the Srinagar airport authorities to cancel 66 inbound and outbound flights, according to officials, resulting in chaotic scenes at the airport terminal. "Our visibility is only 200 M and there is continuous snowfall. We are simultaneously clearing the snow. To avoid inconvenience and to avoid Congestion please check the status of your flight from your airlines before coming to the airport," it said.
Later in the evening, the airport authority said that atleast 64 flights were cancelled due to continuous snowfall.
Surface traffic from the Kashmir Valley to the Jammu region was completely cut off, as both the Srinagar-Jammu and Shopian-Poonch highways were closed. " Jammu Srinagar NHW blocked due to shooting stones and mudslides at several places between Chanderkot and Banihal," the traffic authorities said.
The Railway Authorities also informed that the train service will remain suspended until the snow on the railway line is removed. "The railway will resume its operations as soon as the snow is cleared. After the snow is cleared, WDS 4 will go first, apologize for the inconvenience," Railway officials said.
The Cluster University officials said that all the examinations of Cluster University Srinagar scheduled on 30th of
January, 2023 have been postponed due to inclement weather. "Fresh dates for
postponed papers shall be notified separately," said Controller Exams CU Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the Kashmir University also said that all PG, engineering and other examinations scheduled to be held on January 30, 2023 (Monday) postponed in view of inclement weather conditions, fresh dates for the deferred Examinations will be notified separately later.
The weather man said that the widespread moderate to Heavy Snowfall in Kashmir, Hilly areas of jammu, moderate Rain with Thunderstorm at most places of Jammu during next 24 hours. "Heavy Snowfall and Rain with thunderstorm in plains of Jammu very likely to continue for nxt 12 hrs. Expect gradual decrease in Precipitation from later tonight," he said.
The official said that the heavy Snowfall may cause Snow Avalanche in Avalanche prone areas during above period as higher reaches has accumulated one feet of snowfall. "It may affect Surface & Air transportation on 30th(>75% chance)," it said.
"People are once again advised NOT to venture out in Avalanche prone areas, unless emergency during nxt 2 days as possibility of Avalanches has increased due to Hvy Snowfall. 2.Contact concerned Traffic police regarding Road Status," the officials said.
'Chillai-Kalan' — the 40-day harshest winter period when the chances of snowfall are maximum and most frequent — began on December 21 last year. While it ends on January 30, the cold wave continues even after with a 20-day-long 'Chillai Khurd' and a 10-day-long 'Chillai Bachha' following it.(KNS)