Srinagar, Apr 02: The 270-kilometer Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed for more than 6 hours on Sunday owing to landslides and shooting stones in several locations.
Mohita Sharma, SSP Ramban and SSP National Highway, informed Rising Kashmir that vehicle traffic was halted for 6 hours and 40 minutes owing to landslides and shooting stones at several locations along the route.
Sharma said “heavy shooting stone activity was recorded near the mouth of the T5 tunnel bypassing Panthyal, and maintenance work was occurring at Dalwas, resulting in traffic being halted.”
According to a traffic police spokesman said that, LMVs, passenger vehicles, and private automobiles would be permitted from both sides of the Jammu-Srinagar NHW, viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice versa, subject to favourable weather and road clearance.
“TCU Jammu, Srinagar shall consult with TCU Ramban prior to releasing traffic,” it stated.
“However, after analysing the road and traffic situation on NH-44, HMVs would be permitted to travel from Jakhani (Udhampur) to Srinagar.” TCU Udhampur will consult with TCU Ramban before releasing the HMVs,” according to the advisory.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Leh road was closed for vehicular movement after fresh snowfall at ZojiLa Pass keeping in view the slippery condition of the road.
On Sunday, after Sunshine till afternoon, rain lashed valley parts on Sunday, bringing the day and night temperatures down by several notches.
Met officials said another spell of rain is likely from Monday, owing to a Western difference that will affect Jammu and Kashmir from 3rd to 6th April.
“Due to this, many places will experience light to moderate intermittent rainfall,” Director MeT Sonam Lotus said.
He said the weather will remain inconsistent till April 6, with possibility of thunderstorms and gusty winds, after which it will improve and the temperatures will also increase.
Lotus also said that Jammu and Kashmir’s rainfall shortage has continued into March, with the area experiencing a deficit of 48% for the month.
“This marks the third year in a row that March has suffered from a lack of rain.
He said that between March 1 and 31, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a meagre 78.9mm of rainfall, which is significantly below the average of 152.9 mm.
“March is when the Kashmir region receives the most rainfall and snowfall, with heavy snowfall in the higher areas contributing to the growth of its glaciers. While this year’s March has seen an improvement compared to that of the previous year’s March, the overall trend remains concerning,” Lotus said.
Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) on Sunday issued an avalanche warning for four districts in the Union Territory, advising people against venturing out into the avalanche-prone areas.
JKDMA spokesperson said that avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 3500 metres above sea level over Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Ramban districts in next 24 hours.
“People living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas till further orders”, he said.
