NewKerala.com

Snowfall Paralyzes Jammu Hill Resorts, NH44 Closed for Second Day

Heavy, continuous snowfall has paralyzed life in Jammu's famous hill resorts like Patnitop and Batote, leading to the closure of the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) for a second consecutive day. The disruption has severed connectivity to remote tehsils, halted traffic, and caused widespread failures in power and water supplies. While tourists are making the best of the situation, local authorities were reportedly unprepared, with insufficient machinery and staff to manage the crisis. The situation is severe, with up to three feet of snow in upper regions and all non-emergency travel halted until conditions improve.

Key Points: Jammu Snowfall: NH44 Closed, Life Disrupted in Hill Resorts

  • NH44 closed for second day
  • Power and water supplies disrupted
  • Tourists stranded but enjoying snow
  • Administration caught unprepared
3 min read

J-K: NH44 remains closed for second day; snowfall paralyses life in Jammu hill resorts

Heavy snowfall in Jammu's Patnitop, Batote, and Banihal disrupts life, closes NH44 for 2 days, and cuts off power, water, and travel.

"The delight of long-awaited snowfall has also brought disruption - Report"

Batote, January 24

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 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.

However, a bright, sunny day was observed earlier in the day, which would help with the restoration of power and water supply, as well as traffic.

Because of 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.

The remote tehsils like Batote, Banihal, Gool, Ukhral and Rajgarh remain disconnected from the Ramban district headquarters for the second day today.

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.

Meanwhile, 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.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
We were planning a trip to Patnitop this weekend! Had to cancel everything last minute. It's disappointing but safety first. The pictures of snow look beautiful though. Hope the roads clear soon for the locals and stranded tourists.
V
Vikram M
NH44 closure hits the economy of the entire region. This is our lifeline to Kashmir Valley. The authorities must invest in better winter-grade machinery and have contingency plans. Being "caught unprepared" is not an excuse anymore. 🙏
A
Ananya R
Feel for the shopkeepers in Batote market. No customers for two days means huge losses for small businesses. The administration should at least ensure essentials are available in these remote tehsils. Stay safe everyone!
M
Michael C
Reading this from Delhi. It's easy for us to complain, but the ground reality with 2-3 feet of snow and landslides is tough. Respect to the emergency workers trying to restore services in sub-zero temperatures. Hope they have proper gear.
P
Priya S
The children playing in the snow is the only silver lining in this situation! ☃️ But seriously, disruption to telecom is worrying. How will people call for help if needed? Authorities need to have satellite phones or backup communication for such crises.
K
Karthik V

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50