Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Jan 5: The inclement weather conditions in Kashmir for the second straight day on Wednesday has resulted in cancellation of 37 scheduled flights and also the closure of Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only road connecting the valley with rest of the States.
Director Srinagar Airport, Kuldeep Singh informed that 42 flights were scheduled today at Srinagar international airport, adding that 37 out of 42 got cancelled due to the poor visibility. The cancelled flights include one international flight as well.
However, he said that five flights were operated today.
Moreover, at least 500 Heavy Motor Vehicles are stranded along the Srinagar-Jammu highway, which has been closed for vehicular movement after mudslides and shooting stones near Cafeteria morh and Chanderkote in Ramban district.
Several roads including Mughal Road, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri and KIshtwar-Sinthan Road continued to remain closed for vehicular movement as a precautionary measure following the slippery conditions of the roads, triggered by the fresh snowfall.
The commuters scheduled to travel on the highway have been appealed to confirm the status of the road before undertaking the journey.
Traffic Police Jammu has, meanwhile, advised people especially having Light Motor Vehicles not to move on highway between Srinagar and Jammu.
It has also been informed that no Kashmir bound vehicle shall be allowed to move ahead of Nagrota till further clearance.
In an official statement issued by Traffic Police HQ Jammu, it has been stated that travel for Light Motor Vehicles on NH44 has become dangerous due to slippery road conditions and shooting stones.
“People are advised to restrict the movement of vehicles on Highway,” Traffic Police said. “Kashmir bound vehicles shall be stopped at Nagrota Jammu till further clearance from Traffic Control Unit, Ramban,” it added.
Meanwhile, Kashmir parts continued to receive fresh snowfall, bringing down the temperature further in Jammu and Kashmir.
The world famous ski-resort, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and others experienced fresh snowfall. The plains received rainfall for the second straight day.
The local Meteorological department here issued an Orange alert, saying that there is a possibility of heavy snowfall and rainfall in J&K on January 07 and January 08.
Meanwhile, Police across Kashmir Zone established helpline numbers to facilitate the general public seeking help during any emergency arising due to inclement weather, rain/snowfall.
On the directions of IGP Kashmir, helpline numbers have been established at district levels of Kashmir valley as well as in the Police Control Room Kashmir. People are requested to contact their respective district/police station helplines set up by Kashmir Police, in case of any emergency or exigency.
IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar has directed all the District Police Chiefs to keep these helpline numbers functional round the clock and render all the required assistance/help to the needy.
