Ganderbal, March 15: A fresh spell of intense snowfall in the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley severely disrupted daily life in Ganderbal district on Saturday, with areas such as Sonamarg, Kullan, Gund, Gagangir and Kangan witnessing heavy snow accumulation.
Kullan was particularly affected, as thick layers of snow rendered roads treacherously slippery, causing several vehicles to skid and become stranded, leading to prolonged traffic congestion. “It was a difficult to drive as roads across the district were very slippery,” a Sumo driver said. “There were huge traffic snarls at major junctions and it took us hours to reach the respective destinations.”
Responding swiftly, personnel from Gund Police, Sonamarg Police, and the SDRF’s Gund unit, led by SHOs, rushed to Haknar, Kullan, and other affected areas to assist stranded vehicles and manage traffic flow. Snow-clearing machinery was promptly deployed by the relevant departments to restore road connectivity and ensure safe travel conditions.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) intensified snow removal operations along the strategic Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road, while the R&B Sub-Division Gund worked simultaneously to clear internal link roads in and around Sonamarg. Authorities confirmed they are closely monitoring the evolving weather conditions and remain committed to providing all necessary support to the public.
The Ganderbal Police, in collaboration with the SDRF, has been actively engaged in rescue operations—ensuring the safety of stranded individuals, evacuating stuck vehicles, and providing necessary assistance on the ground. Officials have assured that every effort is being made to safeguard lives and restore normalcy as soon as possible. Residents and travellers have been urged to avoid non-essential journeys during the ongoing snowfall and to adhere strictly to safety advisories to prevent any untoward incidents.
The Ganderbal Police has reiterated its commitment to public safety and has appealed for cooperation from travellers, particularly those heading towards Sonamarg, as challenging weather conditions persist.
