Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Mar 10: Rains lashed several parts of Kashmir while higher reaches received fresh snowfall, ending a prolonged dry spell that had persisted for months and bringing relief to residents and farmers across the Valley.
Officials said that light rainfall was recorded in parts of central Kashmir, including Srinagar and Budgam, while moderate to heavy showers were witnessed in several areas of north and south Kashmir.
The higher reaches, including the Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Sinthan Top, Sadhna Top, Peer Ki Gali and Razdan Top, received fresh snowfall during the night and early hours of Tuesday, they said.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar said the Valley is likely to witness generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain and snowfall in higher reaches at many places on March 10 and 11.
According to the MeT department, a few higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Anantnag and Kishtwar may receive moderate snowfall during this period.
In view of the fresh snowfall, authorities suspended vehicular movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road after snow accumulation at Razdan Top made the high-altitude pass slippery and unsafe for traffic.
An official said traffic on the road connecting Bandipora with the remote Gurez Valley has been suspended as a precautionary measure.
“Due to snowfall at Razdan Top and slippery conditions, movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road has been suspended till further orders,” the official said, adding that the road will be reopened after weather conditions improve and clearance operations are completed.
Razdan Top, located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet, serves as the main road link between Gurez Valley and the rest of Kashmir through Bandipora district.
The picturesque tourist resort of Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district also received fresh snowfall on Tuesday, blanketing the valley and bringing down temperatures in the area.
Reports from Ladakh said several parts of Kargil district received light to moderate snowfall after a prolonged dry spell, while rainfall was recorded in lower areas.
Snowfall was reported along the Zojila axis, the Barsoo region and the Zanskar valley, while Kargil town and adjoining lower areas witnessed rain, officials said.
Residents said the snowfall has brought relief to the local population, especially farmers who had been waiting for snow throughout the winter.
The MeT department has forecast generally dry weather from March 12 to 14, followed by cloudy conditions with the possibility of light rain or snowfall in higher reaches at scattered places from March 15 onwards.
Authorities have advised people to remain cautious, as temporary traffic disruptions may occur over the higher passes in Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Anantnag, and Kishtwar due to weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority said an avalanche with low danger is likely above 2,500 metres in the Bandipora district over the next 24 hours and advised people in vulnerable areas to stay alert.
