Heavy Snowfall and Landslides Disrupt Travel in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed heavy snowfall on February 28, leading to widespread travel disruptions and road closures. The region's major highways, including the Srinagar-Jammu and Srinagar-Ladakh national highways, have been shut due to thick layers of snow and landslides, causing inconvenience to travelers and locals alike.

Road Closures and Landslides
The Srinagar-Jammu national highway, a crucial link between the two regions, has been blocked due to heavy snowfall near Qazigund and Banihal. Additionally, landslides have been reported from Banihal to Ramban, further hampering movement. Similarly, the Srinagar-Ladakh national highway has been closed at Zojila Pass due to extreme weather conditions, leaving travelers stranded.

Weather Conditions and Temperature Drop
The meteorological department has forecast an improvement in weather conditions by the afternoon. However, the recent snowfall has led to a significant drop in temperatures across several districts, including Rajouri, Doda, Bhalesa, and Anantnag. The Pir Panjal mountain range, which had experienced a prolonged dry spell, received fresh snowfall in its higher altitudes, while lower regions saw continuous rainfall.

Impact on Daily Life
At Srinagar airport, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had to clear snow from the runway to facilitate air travel. Similarly, snow clearance efforts were underway in Pahalgam, where roads were covered under a thick blanket of snow. Despite these disruptions, some locals embraced the winter spectacle, and surprisingly, many farmers expressed optimism, seeing the snowfall as beneficial for agriculture.

Avalanche Alert in Himachal Pradesh
Beyond Jammu and Kashmir, heavy snowfall was also recorded in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti districts. Following the snowfall, the local police issued an avalanche warning for the region, cautioning residents and travelers. The official advisory, cited by ANI, categorized the avalanche risk as 'Danger Level 3 (Orange)', urging people to restrict movement to designated safe routes to avoid potential hazards.

Advisory and Safety Measures
Authorities have urged locals and travelers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel until the roads are cleared. With continued efforts to restore normalcy, residents are advised to stay updated with official announcements regarding road conditions and weather alerts.

While the snowfall has caused temporary disruptions, it has also brought scenic beauty and much-needed precipitation to the region, offering a silver lining amidst the travel challenges.