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Rajouri's Kotranka-Budhal Becomes Snow Tourist Hotspot After 25-Year Heavy Fall

Heavy snowfall, unseen in nearly 25 years, has blanketed the Kotranka-Budhal belt in Rajouri, turning it into a major tourist hotspot drawing visitors from across India. The snowfall has disrupted connectivity, blocking the vital Rajouri-Kotranka-Budhal road, prompting the Border Roads Organisation to deploy machinery for clearance. Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma stated that restoration of essential services like electricity is being prioritized. Tourists compare the scenic snow-covered landscape to the Kashmir Valley, while nearby areas like Bhaderwah and Banihal also received fresh snowfall.

Key Points: Heavy Snowfall in Rajouri's Kotranka-Budhal Attracts Tourists

  • Heavy snowfall after 25 years
  • Major tourist attraction from across India
  • Road connectivity disrupted, BRO clearing snow
  • Essential services restoration underway
2 min read

J&K: Heavy snowfall turns Kotranka Budhal into tourist hotspot in Rajouri

Heavy snowfall in Rajouri's Kotranka-Budhal belt, a 25-year rarity, transforms the Pir Panjal region into a major tourist destination, disrupting connectivity.

"Rajouri offered an experience similar to that of the Kashmir Valley - Visitors"

Rajouri, January 25

Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Rajouri district, witnessed heavy snowfall this season, with the Kotranka-Budhal belt in the Pir Panjal range receiving significant snowfall, turning the region into a major attraction for tourists. Local residents said that such heavy snowfall has not been seen in nearly 25 years.

Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma said that due to western disturbances, heavy snowfall has occurred in the Pir Panjal range, with maximum snowfall recorded in the Thanamandi and Kotranka sub-divisions. "During my visit to Thanamandi, basic facilities and essential services were reviewed, and their restoration was checked. Electricity restoration at Kotranka will be completed by tonight. Vehicular movement will be within 1-2 hours. Continuous work on road traffic management is underway from early morning," he said, adding that efforts are being made to ensure uninterrupted rations, water, electricity, medical care and emergency services.

Tourists were seen enjoying the snow in Rajouri as fresh snowfall blanketed large areas, particularly in the Kotranka and Budhal subdivisions. The rare and intense snowfall has drawn visitors not only from the Pir Panjal region and Rajouri district but also from other parts of Jammu and Kashmir and various states across India.

However, heavy snowfall disrupted connectivity in the Rajouri district, with the Rajouri-Kotranka-Budhal road completely blocked by snow. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed teams along with heavy machinery to clear the snow and restore vehicular movement. The road is vital, as it connects Rajouri with Budhal and serves as a key route linking the Reasi district.

Many visitors remarked that Rajouri offered an experience similar to that of the Kashmir Valley, with some claiming there was no longer a need to travel far to witness heavy snowfall.

Meanwhile, Bhaderwah turned into a pristine white wonderland as the valley was covered in a thick blanket of snow. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) report, partly cloudy skies are expected to become generally cloudy later in the day, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 8 degrees Celsius to a minimum of minus 4 degrees Celsius for the region.

Banihal also received fresh snowfall, with generally cloudy skies and temperatures ranging from a maximum of 6.1 degrees Celsius to a minimum of minus 2 degree celsius, according to the IMD.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Heavy snowfall after 25 years! Nature is showing its power. Kudos to the BRO teams working to clear the roads. It's a tough job in such conditions. Deputy Commissioner seems proactive, hope electricity is restored soon as promised.
A
Aman W
While it's beautiful and good for tourism, let's not forget the local residents. Disrupted connectivity affects daily life, access to markets, and medical services. The focus should be equally on restoring normalcy for them, not just promoting the tourist angle.
S
Sarah B
Amazing! I had no idea Rajouri could get such heavy snow. The pictures must be stunning. It's good to have more options within India for a snowy holiday. Hope the infrastructure can handle the sudden tourist influx responsibly.
V
Vikram M
"No longer a need to travel far to witness heavy snowfall" – this is the real win. Develops our own backyard. J&K has so much untapped potential beyond just Srinagar and Gulmarg. More power to the Pir Panjal region!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, the article glosses over the hardships. Minus 4 degrees is no joke without proper heating and power. I appreciate the DC's efforts, but such extreme weather events need more permanent disaster preparedness plans in hilly regions.
N
Nisha Z

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