The inclement weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the Valley here, have claimed four lives due to massive avalanches that hit famous tourist destinations Sonamarg and Gulmarg. On January 12, two labourers were killed after a snow avalanche was reported in Sonamarg, a video of which was widely shared online. The avalanche was reportedly filmed near the Baltal area in Sonamarg, which is located in the Ganderbal district in central Kashmir while two Polish skiers died while 19 others including two guides were rescued after a massive avalanche hit the upper reaches of the famed Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on February 1. In the two months, four lives have been lost in the avalanches, but the irony is that such incidents are taking place at a time when the Jammu & Kashmir Disaster Management Authority as well as the Meteorological department are persistently issuing warnings, appealing people not to venture in and around the avalanche prone areas. One fails to understand why the authorities have been allowing the people to visit the places where the chances of avalanche after fresh snowfall remain high. There is a need to prevent the public movement near the areas, which are prone to the avalanches in a bid to save the precious lives or injury to the people. It is the time when the government should investigate the matter and identify the persons, who are involved in such lackadaisical approach, if any, and ensure that nobody is allowed to move close to the areas that are prone to avalanches during the next wet spell in the Valley.
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