Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 19: The cold wave conditions continued in Kashmir today with night temperatures remaining below the freezing point while authorities here are gearing up to meet the challenges to be thrown by the Western Disturbance that is approaching the State by week end.
The Meteorological Department official said that light rain and snow is likely during the next 24 hours, while a western disturbance is also approaching the State and is expected to become active between January 22 and 26. He said that during this period, moderate to heavy rain and snow is expected.
In the meantime, one dozen elderly persons were rescued from Waltngo Nad in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district by Police and District Administration. Police yesterday rescued 80 people mostly children from the area as there is avalanche warning in the area.
The night’s lowest temperature was minus 3.3 in Srinagar while it was minus 12.4 and minus 12.0 in Pahalgam and Gulmarg respectively. Qazigund recorded a low of minus 2.4 degree Celsius, Kupwara 1.8 degree Celsius, Kokernag 7.7 degree Celsius. Leh recorded a minus 8.3 as the minimum temperature.
Jammu recorded 5.7 degree Celsius, Katra 2.8 degree Celsius, Banihal minus 6.7 degree Celsius, Bhaderwah minus 2.1 degree Celsius and Batote minus 1.9 degree Celsius as the minimum temperatures.
Srinagar recorded a maximum of 6.4 degree Celsius, Qazigund 4.1 degree Celsius, Pahalgam 3.6 degree Celsius, Kokernag 1.9 degree Celsius, Gulmarg minus 4.0 degree Celsius and Leh minus 1.4 degree Celsius.
Jammu recorded a maximum of 19.4 degree Celsius, Katra 15.1 degree Celsius, Banihal 11.4 degree Celsius, Batote 8.0 degree Celsius and Bhaderwah 7.6 degree Celsius.
Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic, Kashmir, Fayaz Ahmad Lone, told Excelsior that traffic movement will be allowed from Srinagar to Jammu tomorrow.
“Keeping in view the condition of the road as a result of recent heavy rain/snow fall, especially between Udhampur – Ramsoo and Banihal to Levdora (Qazigund) coupled with narrow width of road at certain places, only one way movement of traffic is feasible/advisable on Srinagar- Jammu NHW. As such tomorrow on 20.01.2017, movement of traffic shall be allowed from Srinagar towards Jammu side only”, said the SSP.
“Under this plan, movement of heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) including convoys of Army, BSF, CRPF (excluding trailers/ multi-axle vehicles) shall be allowed from Levdora, Qazigund from 0800 hours up to 1700 hours only. However, DySP Traffic, Kulgam/Qazigund shall ensure that no traffic is released from Levdora towards Banihal till he gets proper clearance from SSP Traffic, NHW Ramban”, he said.
Lone said: “Similarly, movement of all types of LMVs/passenger vehicles shall be allowed from Levdora, Qazigund from 0830 hours up to 1700 hours only. No movement of vehicles including that of convoys of Army, BSF, CRPF etc. shall be allowed from Jammu towards Srinagar side tomorrow under any circumstances.”
“Strict implementation of the recommendations of the cut off timing shall be ensured for hassle free movement of traffic on National Highway. Strong nakas shall be established at appropriate places for implementation of the directions in letter and spirit. Close co-ordination needs to be made with District Police for better results on ground”, the SSP said.
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