Srinagar, Feb 22: After a closure of four days due to multiple landslides and mudslides, traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway was partially resumed on Thursday. However, the resumption of traffic came with a tragic incident as a laborer from Uttar Pradesh lost his life after being caught under a massive landslide in Ramban.
According to a traffic department spokesman, the Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) was partially restored to single-way traffic, with the clearance of stranded vehicles between Nashree and Banihal. Commuters have been advised to exercise caution and follow lane discipline, especially between Ramban and Banihal due to the risk of shooting stones.
The spokesman further stated that if weather conditions remain favorable, two-way traffic will be allowed to ply the highway on Friday. The closure of the highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, was necessitated by landslides and shooting stones hitting the highway at over a dozen locations.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Ramban, Baseer–Ul-Haq Chaudhary, along with Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, National Highway, Rohit Baskotra, led an inspection and road clearance operation on NH-44 amidst incessant rain and snowfall. The Deputy Commissioner personally monitored road clearance operations and directed executing agencies to ensure safe and smooth travel for commuters. Stranded vehicles are being cleared on priority, with priority-I link roads already cleared and work underway on priority-II link roads.
Similarly, the Srinagar-Leh Highway and Mughal Road remain closed due to snow accumulation, with efforts underway to restore these vital highways as soon as possible.
Additionally, the Kashmir valley witnessed a drop in night temperatures foll+owing widespread snowfall, with Gulmarg recording minus 10.4°C and Pahalgam minus 8.6°C. The Meteorological Department has forecast mainly dry weather till February 26, with the possibility of light to moderate rain/snow from February 27-29.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued an avalanche warning for 10 districts of the region. The spokesman advised people in these areas to take precautions and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone areas.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the challenges faced by both travelers and authorities in the region.
