Avalanche warning issued in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 5 (PTI) Authorities today issued a medium-danger avalanche alert in several parts of Kashmir in view ofmoderate to heavy snowfall forecast over the next three days.

"A medium-danger avalanche warning has been sounded bySnow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) for Gurez,Gugladara, Keran, Machil, Chowkibal and Tangdar in northKashmir areas close to the Line of Control," CoordinatorDisaster Management Cell, Aamir Ali said.

He said the warning will be in force till 5.00 pmtomorrow.

"People living in the higher reaches of these areas havebeen advised to curtail their movement during snowfall and notto venture into avalanche-prone areas," he said.

With fresh western disturbance approaching the state, Alisaid fairly widespread snowfall may occur at many places fromtomorrow to Tuesday.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asgar Hassan Samoon hasdirected all Deputy Commissioners of the districts there andother officials concerned to ensure that necessary measuresare taken to ensure minimum disruption of services, he said.

Samoon also asked the Traffic department to announceone-way traffic on Srinagar-Jammu National highway fromtomorrow till February 8 so that passengers are not put toinconvenience due to snowfall.

Chief Engineer Public Health Engineering Department hasbeen directed to ensure uninterrupted water supply at touristresort Gulmarg, where tourists and schoolchildren have gonefor skiing courses, Ali said.

"Instructions were also given that no vehicle will beallowed beyond Tangmarg towards Gulmarg unless it has 4x4facility or the tyres are fitted with chains," he added. PTIMIJ PMS