Heavy snowfall creates havoc in J&K

One-way traffic has been restored on Jammu-Srinagar national highway after remaining closed for over 18 hours due to massive landslides in Ramban district and heavy snowfall in Qazigund, near Jawahar Tunnel, Shaitani Nallah, and Banihal.

SSP National Highway Sakhti Pathak said after hectic efforts, the road was cleared for one way traffic this afternoon. He said all Jammu bound stranded vehicles and Durbar move employees were allowed today.

Due to the closure of the road, hundreds of vehicles were stranded at various locations on the highway. National highway authority of India and Border Road Origination are working on war footing to remove the remaining debris between Ramban to Banihal.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Sunday took stock of the situation arising out of heavy snowfall in Kashmir valley and Jammu division. The Governor is personally monitoring the situation and has issued instructions to authorities concerned for the immediate restoration of electricity supply and road connectivity in the affected areas.

The Advisors and the Chief Secretary have been asked to get regulars on the restoration of essential services from the concerned so that the people don’t face any inconvenience.

Regarding restoration of electricity supply, the Governor was informed that massive damage was caused to the transmission lines and transformers due to snowfall and uprooting of trees and the restoration work is in full swing.

In view of the ongoing Board Examinations, the Governor has asked the Education Department to make adequate heating arrangements at the examination centers. Governor directed the administration to put in added efforts in mitigating the difficulties of the people and meeting their requirements in view of the inclement weather conditions.

He also called for the deployment of enough dewatering pumps to ensure speedy dewatering of the inundated areas.