The entire Kashmir Valley was enveloped in a white drape on Friday as incessant snowfall in mountains and plains closed a long wait but simultaneously started a new chapter of difficulties for the people.
The normal life went out of gear as commuters found it difficult to maneuver in the capital Srinagar and main towns of the valley. locals said that the snow clearing machinery was not readily pressed into service to manage the roads and streets. The slippery roads led to massive traffic congestions in many parts of the Srinagar city.
This is the season’s first massive snowfall in the entire valley. The weather took a turn earlier this week breaking a record five month long dry spell. The Kashmir valley usually gets heavy snowfall during the 40-day span of harsh winter locally known as Chillai Kalan that starts from December 21. However, during the past several years, the pattern has altered and snowfall has become unpredictable.
Officials said that all flights to and from Srinagar airport were cancelled due to poor visibility and snow accumulation on the tarmac. The overnight rain and snowfall has toppled electric poles at many places, disrupting the power supply in many areas.
The traffic on Srinagar-Jammu national highway was stopped due to massive snowfall in the areas near the Jawahar Tunnel. The inter-district traffic was also affected due to heavy snowfall.
Police sources said that over 600 vehicles are stranded in Ramban area along the national highway.
Reports from Uri town near the line of control said that the incessant snowfall led to the cancellation of cross loC-trade for the day.
The University of Kashmir announced to postpone all examinations scheduled for Saturday.
Reports of heavy snowfall poured in from hill resorts of Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam.
Meanwhile, the provincial police chief Javed Gilani issued directions to all the police heads of Kashmir valley to gear up men and machinery under their command and control to remain alert to meet any possible challenge and eventuality.
He has also ordered that all the subordinated formations should remain available on ground and coordinate with other government departments to tackle and manage all civil issues arising out of inclement weather.
Gilani has asked for the establishment of emergency control rooms in all the districts of the valley to provide necessary help to the people in need.