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Kashmir Snowfall Closes Highways, Cancels Flights Amid Chillai Kalan

Fresh snowfall has led to the closure of the strategic Srinagar-Jammu national highway and the cancellation of morning flights at Srinagar International Airport. Multiple other roads, including Mughal Road, are also closed, with authorities advising against travel until conditions improve. The Meteorological Department has forecast continued light to moderate rain and snow, prompting advisories for travelers and farmers. The snowfall during the concluding 'Chillai Kalan' period is seen as crucial for replenishing the region's water reservoirs for the summer months.

Key Points: Kashmir Snowfall Shuts Highways, Disrupts Flights

  • Srinagar-Jammu highway closed
  • Flights cancelled at Srinagar Airport
  • Travel advisory issued for roads
  • Farmers advised to suspend activities
2 min read

Fresh snowfall shuts highways in Kashmir, affects flight operations

Fresh snowfall in Kashmir closes Srinagar-Jammu highway, cancels flights. Travel advisory issued as Chillai Kalan period nears end.

Fresh snowfall shuts highways in Kashmir, affects flight operations
"Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is closed due to fresh snowfall in and around the NAVYUG Tunnel. - Traffic Department Official"

Srinagar, Jan 27

Due to fresh snowfall on Tuesday, the strategic Srinagar-Jammu national highway was closed for traffic, while all morning flights at Srinagar International Airport were cancelled.

Officials said that due to fresh snowfall, the Srinagar-Jammu national highway will remain closed till further orders as snow has accumulated at the two ends of the Navyug Tunnel in the Qazigund area of Kulgam district and Banihal in Ramban district.

A traffic department official said, "Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is closed due to fresh snowfall in and around the NAVYUG Tunnel. No vehicular movement shall be allowed from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice versa. Furthermore, Mughal Road, SSG Road and Sinthan Road are already closed."

People have been advised not to travel on these roads until they are completely restored and declared safe for traffic.

Airport officials said eight flights have been cancelled at Srinagar Airport so far due to bad weather.

The Meteorological (MeT) Department has forecast light to moderate rain/snow at most places on Tuesday, with the possibility of heavy rain/snow with gusty winds at a few places in the union territory.

Light rain/snow has also been forecast for Wednesday. An advisory issued by the MeT Department has asked travellers and transporters to confirm the status of highways before undertaking travel, as there is a possibility of moderate to heavy rain/snow/thunder/gusty winds till this evening.

Farmers have been advised to suspend all farming activities till Wednesday, while people living in higher reaches have been advised not to venture into sloppy and avalanche-prone areas.

The 40-day period of harsh winter cold, locally called the 'Chillai Kalan', started on December 21 and will end on January 30.

Snowfall towards the end of the Chillai Kalan has addressed the worries of Kashmiris about the sustenance of water bodies in the future months.

It is the heavy snowfall during this 40-day-long period that replenishes the perennial water reservoirs in the mountains. These water reservoirs sustain various rivers, streams, springs, lakes and other water bodies during the hot summer months.

Present snowfall has addressed those worries of locals, and widespread joy has been expressed at nature's bountiful mercy.



- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the travel disruption is tough, the article rightly points out the importance of this snow for 'Chillai Kalan'. Our rivers and lakes depend on this. It's nature's way of ensuring water security for the summer. A necessary hardship for a greater good.
A
Aman W
Stay safe, everyone in Kashmir! Please heed the advisories and don't venture out. Hope the farmers and those in higher reaches are taking all precautions. The joy over water replenishment is understandable, but safety first. ❄️
S
Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi. We complain about a little cold wave, but this is another level. Hats off to the people living there and the officials working to restore connectivity. The strategic importance of that highway makes this a national infrastructure concern.
V
Vikram M
The Met department advisories are crucial. People often ignore them and then get stuck. Good to see they are being proactive this time. Also, the mention of Mughal Road etc. being closed shows how comprehensive the impact is. Tourism will take a hit too.
K
Kavya N
A respectful criticism: The article could have included what immediate relief measures are in place for stranded travellers or if shelters are being set up. Information on restoration timelines would also help families waiting. Otherwise, good coverage.
N
Nikhil C
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