Srinagar, March 10: The Meteorological Department on Sunday forecasted another four day wet spell in Kashmir from Monday (11-14th March) . The main activity of this spell will be on Tuesday, officials said.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that they were expecting possibility of rain in plains and snowfall in higher reaches from 11th March and prevailing weather conditions will continue till 14th March.
“From 15th to 18th March, weather will remain mostly dry in Kashmir region. The general public over hilly areas are advised not to venture in Avalanche prone areas & slopy areas,” he said.
He said there is a possibility of light to moderate rain or snow at widespread places during March 13, while light rain or snow at a few places on March 14.The weather is expected to remain generally dry during March 15 to 18.
Regarding the temperatures, Srinagar recorded a minimum of 2.2°C against and maximum 13.7°C on Sunday. Qazigund recorded a minimum of 1.4 and maximum 13.4, Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 2.5°C and maximum 11.4°C, Kokernag recorded a minimum of 1.8°C and maximum 13.6.
North Kashmir’s Kupwara town recorded a low of minus 0.5°C and 15.0 °C as maximum, Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.4°C and maximum 7.2°C. Jammu recorded a minimum of 10.5°C and maximum 24.4°C. Banihal recorded a low of 8.2°C, Batote 8.0°C and Bhaderwah 3.2°C, he said.
After remaining closed for more than 14 hours due to maintenance work caused by landslides, mudslides and shooting stones, the traffic on 270 Kilometres Jammu-Srinagar was partially restored on Sunday late afternoon.
The spokesman said people are advised to avoid journeys on Jammu Srinagar NHW between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel on 09-03-2024 Saturday from 2200 hrs to 1200 hrs. Sunday on 10-03-2024 and plan their journey accordingly.
Regarding Sunday’s plan, he said in view of widening the carriageway to 2 lanes at Dalwas and other places on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). Decision regarding the vehicular movement on NH-44 shall be taken tomorrow after clearance of road, the spokesman added.
The 270-kilometre-long highway is the lifeline of supplies for the landlocked Valley as all essential commodities are brought in through this highway.
A traffic spokesman said that traffic on highway was restored on Sunday for two-way traffic and later again a massive landslide halted traffic movement at Dalwas. It was decided that traffic will be allowed on Single way, he said.
Regarding Monday’s traffic plan, he said in view of widening the carriageway to 2 lanes at Dalwas and other places on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). Decision regarding the vehicular movement on NH-44 shall be taken on Monday morning after clearance of road, the spokesman added.
The 270-kilometre-long highway is the lifeline of supplies for the landlocked Valley as all essential commodities are brought in through this highway.Meanwhile Srinagar-Sonamarg-highway is still blocked due to snow accumulation.
Meanwhile, the Roads and Buildings Department on Saturday had launched snow clearance measures and deployed men and machinery to clear snow on the Mughal Road.
Officials said that the road was closed for vehicular movement in the last week of January 2024 following heavy snowfall in the region disrupting the traffic along the major highways.
Mughal Road which connects Bafliaz Poonch to Shopian district in south Kashmir with officials stating that the road would reopen for traffic before Lok Sabha election.
“The snow clearance operation has been started from the Poonch side and we will work and proceed towards the Kashmir region in the coming days,” an R & B official said.
He stated that the operation, initiated in the Chandimorh area, entails deploying personnel and machinery to clear the snow along the 84-kilometer historic route.
The official expressed optimism that within the next two days, the operation will expand to include the Ratacham and Poshana areas, rendering the route motorable.
The decision to accelerate the snow clearance process is a result of explicit directives from higher authorities, underscoring the urgency to restore the road for vehicular traffic.
Upon reopening, the Mughal Road is expected to facilitate essential transportation between Bufliaz in Poonch and the southern Shopian district, serving as a crucial link for commuters and traders alike.
