Abrar Nabi
Srinagar, Nov 11 (KNS): Fresh snowfall was reported at Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road and in Gurez Valley on Wednesday, prompting authorities to suspend traffic on the strategic road and restrict tourist movement in vulnerable areas ahead of a major spell of rain and snowfall forecast across Jammu and Kashmir from November 12 to 14.
Officials said the Mughal Road, which connects south Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch districts, was closed for vehicular movement following light rain and snowfall in the Peer Ki Gali area.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Traffic, Rajouri-Poonch Range, Ajaz Ahmed Choudhury, said the closure was ordered as a precautionary measure due to slippery road conditions.
Commuters have been advised to avoid travelling on the route until further clearance and remain in touch with traffic control rooms for updates.
Gurez Valley in north Kashmir also received fresh snowfall, covering parts of the area in a white blanket, as the district administration had already advised tourists against visiting the valley in view of the impending weather conditions.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast widespread rainfall in the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall in higher reaches during the three-day period, with some mountainous areas likely to receive one to two feet of snow.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said an initial Western Disturbance was bringing light precipitation over isolated higher reaches, while the main weather activity was expected to begin in the early hours of November 12 and continue till the morning of November 14.
"This is a significant weather system. While rainfall will dominate in the plains, we expect moderate snowfall across tourist places, marking the season's first snowfall in Doodhpathri, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg," Ahmad said.
He said higher reaches and mountain passes, including Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Zojila, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Top and Margan Pass, were likely to receive heavy snowfall, with accumulations of one to two feet possible at some locations.
The department has also indicated a 50 per cent possibility of light snowfall or mixed precipitation over the plains of Shopian, Kulgam, Kupwara, Bandipora and adjoining areas.
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In view of the forecast, the Bandipora district administration has temporarily prohibited tourists from visiting Gurez Valley and asked those already staying there to plan their departure immediately in coordination with the District Control Room.
Candidates scheduled to appear in the Accounts Assistant written examination on November 15 have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and reach their examination centres before weather conditions deteriorate.
The administration has also advised expectant mothers living in upper reaches, whose expected dates of delivery fall within the next month, to shift to nearby hospitals to ensure timely medical assistance in case snowfall disrupts road connectivity.
Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel towards Gurez and other higher reaches and refrain from organising social gatherings in vulnerable areas during the forecast period.
Meanwhile, the Anantnag district administration has activated its District Emergency Operation Centre round the clock to deal with weather-related emergencies and public grievances.
Departments, including Public Works (R&B), Mechanical Engineering, Revenue, Flood Control, PMGSY, Urban Local Bodies, KPDCL, Jal Shakti and Health and Medical Education, have been directed to take precautionary measures and keep manpower and machinery ready.
The administration has issued helpline numbers 01932-227112, 9697982527, 7780885759 and 9419091681 for public assistance.
The Meteorological Department has advised tourists, travellers and transporters to plan their journeys in advance, check road conditions before setting out and strictly follow traffic advisories.
Farmers have also been advised to suspend harvesting operations on November 12 and 13 and ensure that harvested crops are safely stored to prevent damage from rain and snowfall.
The fresh snowfall and the approaching weather system could affect traffic on several important mountain routes, including the Srinagar-Leh highway via Zojila, the Mughal Road and other high-altitude passes, the advisory said. (KNS)
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