Ganderbal, Apr 24: The strategic 434 km long Srinagar Leh highway remained closed for vehicular movement on 8th consecutive day today after fresh snowfall and avalanches hit at multiple places of Zojila Pass.
An official said the highway was closed on April 16 after heavy avalanche struck near ShaitaniNallah from Minamarg Side of Drass Sub division, resulting in 8 vehicles loaded with most food items were buried under the snow.
An Official from Border Roads Organisation (BRO) said after the incident Zojila road was declared to be closed till 22nd April due to maintenance at several places.However, due to fresh Snow and snow avalanches particularly at Daniyal, PaniMatha on the highway, vehicles were still closed for transport on the 8th day consecutive Monday.
A Beacon official said that to remove the snow on the Zojila pass of the highway, workers and machinery have already been pressed into service and will soon be able to remove the snow from the highway.
He said “we hope that the Snow clearance operation will complete till Monday late evening.”
Meanwhile, due to the closure of the highway, passenger vehicles along loaded vehicles are stranded at various areas of Sonamarg side and empty vehicles are stranded at Minamarg Side.
In Minamargmany drivers complained that they are facing immense hardships due to the closure of the road.
They urged both Kargil and Ganderbal Admin to clear the snow as soon as possible so that they should not face further problems.
