Srinagar, January 16 (KNO) : Amid prediction of snowfall till January 23, valley on Wednesday was blanketed white by a fresh snowfall leading to closure of roads, and suspension of aerial traffic to and fro Kashmir. Director of Meteorological department (MeT), Sonum Lotus, predicted light rains, snowfall.
“Weather will remain cloudy in Kashmir from Jan 18-19 and from Jan 19 evening there is possibility of light rains and snowfall at isolate places,” Lotus said. According to Lotus, from Jan 20-23, moderate rains and snowfall across the Valley are predicted to lash valley.
“The Srinagar-Jammu highway remained open for vehicular movement despite the snowfall,” official said. Officials at Srinagar Airport told KNO said that the aerial traffic has been suspended due to poor visibility,” he said, adding that the flights will be made functional once weather improves. The fresh snowfall forced traffic police to issue advisor for commuters in Srinagar city as well, asking drivers to drive slow, avoid sudden brakes, avoid fast turning, avoid overtaking, follow traffic rules, minimize use of two-wheeler and keep distance.
They issued emergency numbers as well for help if needed i.e TRPC: 0194-2450022, Toll Free No. 18001807091 and SSP (T) Office: 0194-2455179 in case of any assistance. Mechanical division, designated to clear roads of snow, said that men and machinery are ready to clear the roads. “We have a designated staff on duty 24*7. They are on their jobs. Important routes will be cleared for traffic to ply while lanes and by lanes are handles by SMC,” he said.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan has issued fresh avalanche warning for nine avalanche prone districts of the division. The warning has been issued for the avalanche prone areas of Anantnag, Kulgam, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kargil and Leh districts. As per the hand out, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has directed the Deputy Commissioners of all these districts to advise the people living in avalanche prone areas not to venture out to avoid any untoward incident.
The Div Com also directed the concerned DCs to take all the precautionary measures and to keep the SDRF, Police and Para-medical staff with ambulances in readiness to avert any untoward incident. (KNO)