Heavy snowfall paralyses normal life in Shimla, Srinagar

Shimla/Srinagar, Feb 8 : Heavy snowfall in Shimla and Srinagar has disrupted normal life in the region.

The hill town of Shimla received snowfall for the sixth consecutive day today. Heavy snowfall in upper reaches of Shimla has cut off many places from the State capital.

Roads to Kufri, Narkanda, Rohru, Chopal and Kharapathar have been closed for the past one-week. People are forced to travel long distances on foot.

Ratish Kumar, who walked from Totu to Shimla on foot, said: "I had some very important assignment and hence the visit was unavoidable. I preferred to walk."

Transport in nearby areas of Dhali, Sanjauli, Totu, Summerhill, Vikas Nagar, Kasumpti, Lakkar Bazaar and Bharari has been severely hampered due to road blockades.

People are forced to pay exorbitant amount to buy essential commodities.

"We are facing immense hurdles. Basic items have practically disappeared and if available cost extra. It is extremely cold. This year it is snowing heavily and we don't see many tourists. We are not getting milk or gas on time," said Parvesh, a shop owner.

Similarly, heavy snowfall in Srinagar has forced people to stay indoors. Power supply too has been affected.

The meteorological department said cold weather conditions would continue for few more days.

"It will snow heavily in some parts, so people should be alert," said an official at the meteorological department.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed for the past five days. Hundreds of vehicles are parked along the arterial 300-km-long highway, causing shortage of essential commodities in the Valley.

The prices of essential commodities, particularly goods imported from other states, have increased.

ANI