Life remains paralysed due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 7: Heaviest snowfall in five years and icy cold winds, coupled with dark night, water logged main streets and snow bound link road paralysed life in the Kashmir valley.

The Meteorological department has already issued a warning of more snowfall till tomorrow while authorities have sounded a warning to people living in upper reaches to remain indoor as there was a threat of snow avalanches.

Assistant Director Meteorological T K Jyotshi said snowfall, heaviest in about five years in the month of February was good for fruit, vegetables and other crops. However, the valley experienced heavy snowfall earlier in the months of January and March also, he added.

Expressing satisfaction over the snowfall, he said in some areas the snowfall was more than ten feet which will help to overcome the water shortage during summer.

The authorities in the valley have sounded an alert, particularly in the hilly and avalanche-prone areas, including frontier district of Kupwara, Baramulla, Gurez, Handwara, Shopian, Waltangoo, Kulgam, Drass, Kargil, Banihal, Jawahar tunnel, Brad, Kokernag, Achgam and Kangan. People in these areas were directed to restrict their movement because of the avalanche threat.

A similar warning has also been issued in Uri, where more than a dozen porters and soldiers were buried alive under the avalanche on January 8. The bodies have yet to be recovered because of more than 15 feet of snow accumulated in the area.

Srinagar, the summer capital, and its adjoining areas exprienced heavy snowfall during the night.

Major main roads were through for traffic after the authorities removed the accumulated snow. However, due to melting of snow, streets were under water, making the pedestrain movement almost impossible.

However, the link and inner roads in the city remained closed as snow had not been removed so far.

People alleged that the situation worsens during evening when almost no vehicle is available and three-wheelers charge more than double without any check from the authorities.

Electric supply to almost the entire city was snapped mid-night last after heavy snowfall damaged wires and electric poles. However, the Power Development Department (PDD) immediately swung into action and restore electricity to majority areas till this afternoon. Work to restore electricity to remaining areas was on, a PDD official said.

UNI