NH restored for one way traffic
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Jan 4: While many parts of the Union Territory received fresh light snowfall today, leading to an increase in the minimum temperature which brought some respite to the people from the intense cold conditions while National Highway which was again blocked last night, was restored for one way traffic this evening.
Many parts of Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Natha Top (Patnitop) and Latti-Dudu- Basantgarh experienced rain and light snowfall this evening while many hilly areas of Kashmir witnessed light snowfall today.
A Meteorological department spokesman said that the weather would remain generally cloudy in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Union territories tomorrow with chances of light rain or snow.
He said light snowfall of two to five inches occurred at many places of Kashmir, hilly areas of Jammu and on the higher reaches of Ladakh.
“ A spell of widespread light to moderate snowfall is likely to occur during January 6 to 7 evening,” the spokesman added.
The official said the fresh snowfall brought some relief to the people of Kashmir from the severe cold conditions as the night temperature showed some improvement.
He said Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 0.1 degree Celsius Friday night – over three degrees up from minus 3.7 degrees Celsius the previous night.
The ski-resort of Gulmarg in Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.5 degrees Celsius – two degrees up from the previous night. The night temperature at Pahalgam resort, settled at a low of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius – over 7 degrees up from minus 10.0 degrees Celsius Thursday night, he maintained.
Qazigund, in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 0.6 degree Celsius – up over six degrees from the previous night’s minus 7.0 degrees Celsius.
Kokernag town, recorded a low of minus 2.1 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara, in north, registered the minimum temperature at 0.8 degree Celsius, the official said.
The mercury in Leh in Ladakh settled at a low of minus 16.1 degrees Celsius, he said.
Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ – the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and minimum temperatures drop considerably. It began on December 21 and will end on January 31. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold).
Meanwhile, a senior Traffic Police officer said that Jammu-Srinagar National Highway which was blocked around 11 pm last night at Digdol in Ramban area , could be restored this evening. He said one way (down) traffic has been restored on the highway.
He further disclosed that thousands of vehicles are still stranded in Banihal at Lower Munda and Qazigund areas. They are being cleared for Jammu but frequent disruptions due to shooting stones was still creating problem in smooth movement of vehicles. No movement of vehicles from Jammu side was allowed even today. He said since MeT officials have predicted rain and snowfall, the people starting their journey from Kashmir or Jammu side, should follow Traffic advisory before leaving.
Meanwhile, Bhaderwah, Bhalessa, Latti, Dudu, Gool, Loran, Dera Gali, Natha Top and many other hilly areas of Jammu region experienced light snowfall. Three passenger vehicles were trapped at Dera Gali (Thannamandi) and one rolled down due to slippery conditions. But all the passengers remained safe as it was struck with a tree and an electric poll this evening.
With the fresh snowfall in Jammu areas, a little fall in the temperature has been witnessed. For the last 3-4 days, there has been some improvement in foggy conditions. But some morning flights are arriving late due to poor visibility during morning hours. The train services have also been delayed for the last two weeks.
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