A moderate snowfall disrupted normal life in Kashmir on Wednesday as flights from Srinagar were cancelled and traffic movement on all major routes encountered hitches and delays. Even as the one-way traffic plied on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway throughout the day, the authorities have cautioned the commuters against embarking on the journey without weather updates.
The divisional administration issued fresh avalanche warning for nine avalanche prone districts in the Valley.
The snowfall occurred three days before the Meteorological department had predicted heavy snowfall in the region between January 19 and 23.
“The air traffic to and from Srinagar airport has been hit because of the low visibility due to continuous snowfall,” an official said. Later in the day, the flights were cancelled and passengers were asked to leave the airport until improvement in weather system.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan issued avalanche warning for avalanche prone areas of Anantnag, Kulgam, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kargil and Leh districts. The provincial chief bureaucrat directed the Deputy Commissioners of all these districts to advise the people living in avalanche prone areas not to venture out to avoid any untoward incident.
A police spokesman said that due to fresh snowfall, all roads in Srinagar city turned slippery. “Commuters are advised to drive slow, avoid sudden brakes, fast turning and overtaking, follow traffic rules, minimise use of two-wheeler and keep distance between vehicles.”