BANDIPORA, DEC 31 – Fresh snowfall across the Gurez sector of north Kashmir has led to the closure of the Bandipora to Gurez road after heavy accumulation of snow at Razdhan Pass, officials said on Wednesday.
According to officials, snowfall depth in the lower zone of Tulail in Bandipora district ranged between 14 and 15 inches, while the overall situation in the area remains normal. However, the 85-kilometre-long Bandipora to Gurez road was closed for vehicular movement as fresh snowfall at the high-altitude Razdhan Pass made travel unsafe.
Officials said Razdhan Pass received over one foot of fresh snowfall, severely affecting road conditions and visibility. As a precautionary measure, authorities suspended traffic movement on the vital route to prevent any untoward incidents.
They added that Tulail Valley recorded around five to six inches of snowfall, while Dawar town received nearly three to four inches. Continuous snowfall across the region, described by inhabitants as both heavy and scenic, further worsened road conditions due to snow accumulation and reduced visibility.
Confirming the development, Sub Divisional Magistrate Gurez Mukhtar Ahmad told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that vehicular movement on the Bandipora to Gurez road has been suspended following fresh snowfall at Razdhan Pass.
He said the situation is being closely monitored and the road will be reopened only after improvement in weather conditions and completion of snow clearance operations. Commuters have been advised to avoid travel and strictly adhere to official advisories until further notice.
It is pertinent to mention that the Gurez to Bandipora road remains cut off from the district headquarters for nearly three to four months every winter due to heavy snowfall accumulation at Razdhan Pass. The road serves as the only crucial link connecting the remote Gurez Valley with the rest of the region. [KNT]
