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Doda Blanketed in Heavy Snowfall, Residents Urged to Stay Indoors

Heavy snowfall has continued for a second day in Doda district, with up to three feet of snow in upper regions disrupting all essential services and blocking major roads. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed due to the conditions, and flight operations at Srinagar Airport have been impacted. The snowfall follows a prolonged dry spell and has brought both relief to residents and full-force winter conditions. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors as a safety precaution while only emergency services are permitted.

Key Points: Heavy Snowfall in Doda Disrupts Life, Closes Highway

  • Second day of heavy snowfall
  • Roads blocked, services disrupted
  • Jammu-Srinagar Highway closed
  • Flights cancelled at Srinagar Airport
2 min read

J-K: Heavy snowfall continues in Doda; residents advised to stay indoors

Heavy snowfall in Doda, Jammu & Kashmir, disrupts roads, power, and flights. Authorities advise residents to stay indoors as temperatures plunge.

"residents to stay indoors as a safety precaution - SDM Gandoh, Bhalesa"

Doda, January 24

Heavy snowfall continued for the second consecutive day in the Bhalesa area of Doda district in the Jammu Division for the last 24 hours.

Due to snow obstructing roads and services, the SDM Gandoh, Bhalesa, on behalf of the Doda district administration, advised residents to stay indoors as a safety precaution. Temperatures have dipped below zero.

Around one foot of snow has been recorded in the plains, while the upper hilly regions received nearly two to three feet of snowfall. All essential services, including electricity and water supply, were disrupted. Roads, including highways and link roads, remain blocked due to landslides, fallen trees, and heavy snow accumulation. Only emergency services are permitted until conditions improve in the area.

After a prolonged dry spell of nearly three months, snowfall finally began in both the plains and upper reaches of Doda's Bhalesa and its adjoining areas from Friday midnight.

As the snow blanketed the entire region, people expressed a sense of significant relief and happiness at the much-awaited snowfall.

The Banihal town of Ramban district on Friday also witnessed the season's first heavy snowfall as fresh snow blanketed the entire region, bringing winter conditions in full force. The snowfall began late at night and continued for several hours, leading to a sharp drop in temperature and reduced visibility.

Meanwhile, Baramulla, Budgam, and the hill resort town of Batote in Ramban also received a significant amount of snowfall, covering the area in a mesmerising white spell.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was closed on Friday due to heavy rain and snowfall, with movement also stopped at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur.

Snowfall also disrupted air travel, with Srinagar Airport and IndiGo Airlines announcing temporary suspension and cancellation of several flights.

Authorities said that in view of ongoing rains and snow accumulating up to Ramsoo, all types of traffic were halted at safer locations on NH-44 as a precautionary measure because of slippery road conditions.

Earlier, MLA Daleep Singh Parihar on Sunday said that the ongoing Bhaderwah Winter Carnival is contributing to Jammu and Kashmir's economy by attracting tourists from across the country, expressing gratitude to visitors who travelled from distant places to attend the festival.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The pictures must be breathtaking! ❄️ While it's a relief from the dry spell, my heart goes out to the residents facing disruptions. Hope the authorities have stocked enough supplies and medicines in remote villages.
A
Aman W
Closing NH-44 is a major issue. This highway is the lifeline for the Valley. Every year we face this, and every year the preparations seem inadequate. Need better winter management strategies, not just advisories.
S
Sarah B
It's interesting to read about the Winter Carnival happening alongside this. Tourism is so vital for J&K's economy, but these natural disruptions show how challenging it can be to develop infrastructure in such regions.
V
Vikram M
After three months of dry weather, this snow is a blessing for the farmers and the water table. Yes, there are difficulties, but this is crucial for the ecology of the region. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
My cousin is posted in Doda. He says the community spirit is amazing during these times—people check on each other, especially the elderly. Wishing strength to all the residents and the hard-working emergency staff.

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