Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Dec 20: Administration on Saturday issued a series of weather and snowfall advisories for several districts across Kashmir in view of predicted heavy snowfall over upper reaches.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kokernag, advised commuters to avoid non-essential travel on the Daksum-Sinthan Top-Chhatroo Road and the Gowran-Margan Top-Warwan Road during snowfall and warned that vehicles must carry anti-skid or snow chains.
Police have been directed to close roads if they are deemed unsafe for vehicular movement.
Similarly, the District Police Kupwara issued an advisory. It urged residents, tourists, and trekkers to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise caution on snow-bound roads, and follow directions from administration and police authorities.
In Gurez, the SDM ordered suspension of vehicular traffic from 4 PM on Friday as a precautionary measure. Police were directed not to allow vehicles to move between Gurez and Bandipora beyond the cutoff timing, and the order will remain in force until further instructions.
The SDM Gulmarg advised that heavy vehicles and vehicles without anti-skid chains should not ply on the Tangmarg-Gulmarg road until further notice, in the interest of public safety.
Traffic Police Rural Kashmir also issued a comprehensive advisory urging motorists traveling on hilly roads to adhere to prescribed cut-off timings, ensure anti-skid equipment is fitted, and avoid road-side parking during adverse weather.
Commuters were advised to plan journeys during daylight hours and maintain vehicle fitness to avoid accidents.
Authorities have advised travellers and transporters to plan their journeys accordingly and strictly follow traffic and administrative advisories to avoid inconvenience and accidents.
Meanwhile, fresh snowfall was reported at Sonamarg on the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri (SSG) Road, prompting authorities to advise the general public to avoid travel on the Srinagar–Kargil route without prior confirmation of road status.
Officials said commuters should check with the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) Srinagar or PCR Kargil before undertaking any journey, as weather conditions may affect road safety and movement.
They urged travelers to remain cautious and adhere to advisories issued by traffic authorities in view of the snowfall.
In view of the weather forecast predicting moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches and light to moderate rain/snowfall in the plains from the afternoon of December 20 to December 23, 2025, a high-level coordination meeting was convened today at Qazigund under the chairmanship of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic Rural Kashmir, R. P. Singh.
The meeting was attended by senior officers and key stakeholders, including representatives from the District Police, Civil Administration, Ramki, Beacon, Nowyug Tunnel (Qazigund–Banihal Tunnel) authorities, and Toll Plaza authorities of Qazigund and Banihal. Senior traffic officers, namely DySP Traffic Qazigund, SDPO Qazigund, Tehsildar Qazigund, DTI Qazigund, DTI Anantnag, IC Police Post Jawahar Tunnel, along with other officers and officials, also participated.
The meeting primarily focused on ensuring effective traffic management and the safety of commuters on National Highway-44 (NH-44) during the anticipated adverse weather conditions.
All concerned agencies were directed to ensure prompt, continuous, and efficient snow clearance operations to keep NH-44 functional and minimize disruptions to vehicular movement.
Cemented barricades shall be installed at various cut points along NH-44 to prevent wrong-lane driving and ensure disciplined and orderly traffic flow.
Adequate snow-clearing machinery and recovery equipment will be stationed at all identified slippery and accident-prone locations to prevent mishaps and ensure safe passage of vehicles.
A substantial deployment of traffic personnel has been planned from Pampore to the Nowyug Tunnel at Qazigund, with special emphasis on sensitive and critical stretches of the highway.
The Navyug Tunnel authorities were specifically instructed to proactively regulate or stop traffic during adverse weather conditions to avoid vehicles getting stranded inside the tunnel.
Toll plaza authorities at Qazigund and Banihal were advised to maintain close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure timely and effective responses to evolving situations.
Commuters and drivers were strongly advised to strictly adhere to traffic advisories, drive with caution, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy snowfall in the interest of their own safety.
While addressing the meeting, the SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir emphasized the need for seamless coordination, effective communication, and swift response mechanisms among all participating agencies. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize public safety and remain alert and prepared to deal with any exigency arising due to inclement weather.
A comprehensive and robust action plan was finalized during the meeting to mitigate the impact of heavy snowfall and to ensure smooth, safe, and uninterrupted movement of traffic on NH-44.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast a spell of rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days.
Light to moderate snowfall is likely over higher reaches, while light to moderate rain is expected at most places in the plains from the evening of December 20 to the evening of December 21.
On December 22, light rain or snowfall is forecast scattered to many places, followed by partly cloudy weather from December 23 to December 30. There is also a possibility of light snowfall at a few higher reaches on December 31, officials said.
An advisory has been issued warning that a few higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts may receive moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly on December 21.
