South Asia
Fresh snowfall in Kashmir valley
Srinagar, Dec 31 : The 300-km long Srinagar-Jammu national highway, the only surface link between Kashmir and the rest of India, was on Tuesday shut down for vehicular traffic following heavy snowfall, a traffic police official informed.
According to the reports, Kashmir valley received heavy snowfall during Monday night, ahead of New Year celebrations.
Pahalgam witnessed heavy snowfall (of around 6 inches), according to the last reported updates.
Moreover, Gulmarg also received heavy snowfall during the night.
Nearly two inches of snow were recorded from Qazigund, Kupwara and Srinagar areas.
While talking to IBNS over the phone, Director of Meteorological Centre - Srinagar, Sonam Lotus said that the snowfall will continue till Wednesday afternoon.
Lotus said that the Kashmir valley received fresh snowfall in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Qazigund, Banihal and other parts during the night.
He also added that the weather is likely to improve from Wednesday afternoon.
Lotus further predicted that the day temperature will decrease and night temperature will increase in coming days.
According to the reports, massive traffic jams were witnessed on the roads of Srinagar and other parts of the valley on Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the state mechanical department has moved in snow cutters to all major districts for snow clearance.
(Reporting and image by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
