KARNAH, Kupwara (KNS): Restoration work on the strategic Karnah-Kupwara road is underway on a war footing, officials said on Thursday, even as snow-clearing operations face persistent disruptions due to avalanches. While the Karnah administration had earlier advised that traffic could be restored by this evening, personnel from the Beacon agency continued their efforts uninterrupted until 6 pm.

 

The region has been reeling under the impact of two intense western disturbances that brought heavy snowfall, severely crippling normal life. The accumulation of several feet of snow at the high-altitude Sadhna Top led to the complete closure of the vital road link for five consecutive days. The blockade left hundreds, including patients, women, elderly citizens, and schoolchildren, stranded in Karnah and other parts of the valley.

 

The prolonged closure created acute difficulties in transporting critically ill patients from the Sub-District Hospital Karnah to advanced medical facilities. As weather conditions showed a slight improvement, the administration initiated an emergency airlift operation. A helicopter service was deployed to evacuate the most critical patients to the district headquarters in Kupwara.

 

Tragedy, however, struck at the helipad when a minor girl, Arshaa Fatima, passed away suddenly. Block Medical Officer Tangdhar, Dr. Mohammad Arif Khawaja, stated that the child was already suffering from severe respiratory distress. "The medical team immediately shifted her back to the hospital and made every effort to revive her, but she could not be saved," Dr. Khawaja said.

 

Following this, the remaining patients were re-evaluated. Due to his medical condition and suspected CPK levels, patient Mohammad Ashraf Mir of Channi Pora was transported by road instead of air. Three other patients—Abdul Hamid Khan, Soni Begum, and Mohammad Ibrahim Khan—were successfully airlifted to Kupwara, accompanied by an attendant, Mohammad Ilyas.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

Officials noted that nearly ten feet of accumulated snow—a mix of old and new—covers Sadhna Top, making the clearance operation extremely challenging. The road had seen a brief restoration on the evening of January 26 after snowfall on the 24th and 25th, but fresh heavy snowfall on the night of January 26-27 forced its closure once again, exacerbating public hardship.

 

In a significant relief to the populace, the power supply, which had remained snapped for five days, was restored this evening. Heavy snowfall had damaged electricity lines at multiple locations, testing the resources of the Power Development Department (PDD). The public has acknowledged the efforts of the department's staff, particularly daily-wage workers, who carried out repairs in severe cold and treacherous conditions.

 

Meanwhile, District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kupwara, Shri Kant Souse, informed that snow clearance has been completed on two major roads in the border areas of Keran and Machil, making them traffic-worthy. He added that work on the Karnah-Kupwara road is progressing rapidly.

 

The DDC, however, cautioned that the risk of avalanches persists in these areas and urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, avoiding non-essential travel. The administration has directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and be prepared to address any emergency.

 

Public representatives have hailed the restoration of road connectivity and electricity as a major relief after days of isolation. They have reiterated demands for enhanced helicopter services during emergencies and the establishment of a permanent emergency response system for border and remote areas.(KNS)