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Fresh Snowfall Blankets Jammu & Kashmir, Boosts Tourism Amid Highway Closure

Fresh snowfall has transformed the landscapes of Gulmarg, Bani village, and the Bhaderwah Valley, bringing joy to residents and a boost to local tourism. However, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed for a second day due to slippery conditions, paralyzing life in several hill resorts. The heavy snow has also caused significant disruptions to power, water supplies, and telecommunications in affected areas. While tourists celebrate the winter weather, district administrations are grappling with insufficient resources to manage the aftermath.

Key Points: J&K Snowfall Transforms Gulmarg, Bani; Highway Closed

  • Gulmarg & Bani village transformed by snow
  • Jammu-Srinagar NH44 closed for 2nd day
  • Tourism receives a major boost
  • Power, water, and traffic disrupted
  • First snowfall in Bhaderwah Valley & Vaishno Devi
3 min read

J-K: Fresh snowfall transforms Gulmarg, Bani village while highway remains closed for 2nd day

Fresh snowfall in Gulmarg, Bani village, and Bhaderwah Valley boosts tourism while closing Jammu-Srinagar highway, disrupting life and power supplies.

"The delight of long-awaited snowfall has also brought disruption to power and water supplies, as well as surface (traffic) and telecommunications."

Gulmarg, January 25

Residents and children in Bani village of Kathua district woke up to a blanket of fresh snow on Sunday. The high-altitude areas of the Jammu division witnessed a dip in temperature. The snowfall brought cheer to the remote village, with youngsters seen playing in the snow and celebrating the winter weather. The picturesque transformation of the mountains has drawn visitors from across the country, boosting local tourism.

Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) remains closed for the second consecutive day due to slippery road conditions.

The incessant snowfall for the second consecutive night on Saturday in the famous hill resorts of Jammu province - Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar & Batote, besides Banihal, Gool and other reaches - has paralysed life in these areas.

Due to the blockage of all paths, NH44 and NH244, and the deserted markets, elusive customers have compelled some shopkeepers to keep their shops closed for the second consecutive day today in Batote market of Ramban district.

The tourists, especially the snow buffs who couldn't reach Patnitop due to road blockages, were seen enjoying the snow, and their children were playing snow games.

The delight of long-awaited snowfall has also brought disruption to power and water supplies, as well as surface (traffic) and telecommunications.

The Ramban district administration was caught unprepared to face this unexpected heavy snowfall, as the road-clearing machines and the staff of Jammu Power Development Corporation Ltd (JPDCL) and Jal Shakti Vibhag were found to be insufficient.

On the other hand, earlier this week The holy shrine of Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district witnessed the season's first snowfall on Thursday, covering the Trikuta Hills in a pristine white blanket and transforming the pilgrimage route into a picturesque winter landscape.

Jammu and Kashmir's picturesque Bhaderwah Valley received the season's first snowfall on Friday morning, after a long wait by the residents.

The snowfall transformed Bhaderwah's roads and streets into a white blanket, adding to the charm of the town. Cold weather conditions intensified, prompting residents to take necessary precautions.

Bhaderwah Police and the district administration have issued helpline numbers and advised people to remain cautious, especially while travelling to higher reaches. The hill resort town of Batote in Jammu district also experienced heavy snowfall.

The famous hill resorts of Jammu province-Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar and Batote experienced the season's first snowfall, thereby not only ending a long dry or drought season but also bringing cheers to all dependent on the tourism industry, like hoteliers, taxi drivers, mule or horse owners, photographers, shopkeepers and vendors near these tourist resorts.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Every year it's the same story in J&K. Snowfall brings joy but also exposes how unprepared our systems are. The Ramban admin being "caught unprepared" is unacceptable. They have weather forecasts! Basic services like power and water should not collapse. We need better winter preparedness plans.
A
Aman W
Vaishno Devi covered in snow must be a divine sight! Jai Mata Di. Planning a trip next month, hope the weather clears up and the highways are safe by then. The local economy really depends on this season.
S
Sarah B
Visiting from Canada and currently in Srinagar. The transformation is magical, truly a winter wonderland. However, the travel disruptions are significant. Tourists should check road status constantly and be prepared for delays. Safety first!
K
Karthik V
Good to see the dry spell ending. This snowfall is crucial for the glaciers and water tables. The disruptions are temporary, but the ecological benefit is long-term. My heart goes out to the shopkeepers in Batote though. Hope they recover their losses soon.
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Nisha Z
The children playing in the snow in Bani village brings back so many memories from my childhood in Shimla. 🥹 Pure, simple joy. I hope the authorities ensure their schools have proper heating and that remote villages get help with supplies while the highways are closed.

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