Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Mar 1: Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was re-opened for one-way traffic today after two days while upper reaches of Kashmir valley received fresh snowfall and plains were lashed by rains.
The National Highway was re-opened for one-way traffic today after remaining closed for traffic for two days. The highway remained closed for traffic due to landslides and shooting stones in Mehar area of Ramban. Only light passenger vehicles from Jammu to Srinagar were allowed this morning and it was followed by the heavy vehicles.
The decision to open the highway that was closed due to major landslides and shooting stones during the night intervening February 27 and 28 at Mehar nullah Ramban was taken today after the BRO cleared the slides last night.
Inspector General of Traffic, Jagjeet Kumar told Excelsior that 3455 LMVs and 1033 HMVs left Jammu for Srinagar today. He said that traffic on the highway was resumed at 9 a.m. and no vehicle was allowed from Srinagar to Jammu today.
Kumar said once all the vehicles cross Jawahar tunnel, then only traffic from Srinagar will be allowed to move towards Srinagar.
“Subject to fair weather/ good condition of road and clearance from Traffic Control Units, tomorrow movement of traffic shall be allowed from Srinagar towards Jammu side in a regulated manner. The movement of vehicles (excluding Trailers/multi-axle vehicles) shall be allowed from Levdora from 0900 hours and all these vehicles shall cross Jawahar Tunnel by 1400 hours”, he said.
“No movement of traffic including that of convoys of Army, BSF, CRPF etc. shall be allowed from Jammu towards Srinagar side tomorrow under any circumstances to ensure hassle free movement of traffic”, the IG said.
“Commuters are requested/advised that vehicles are not parked in any landslide/avalanche/vulnerable zones of NHW especially from Ramsoo – Jawahar Tunnel – Levdora under any circumstances. All the vulnerable/avalanche prone zones should be kept free from any kind of traffic to avoid any eventuality”, he said.
In the meantime, Divisional Administration Kashmir today issued avalanche warning in the hills of Kashmir after fresh snowfall today.
Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and upper reaches across Kashmir received fresh spell of snow since early this morning. Around six inch snow had accumulated in Sonamarg this evening and it was still snowing in the area. Several inches of snow accumulated in Gulmarg and other higher reaches of Kashmir.
The Divisional Administration Kashmir today issued avalanche warning for next 24-hours for Keran, Karnah, Machil, Tangdhar, Budnamal, Jumgund Nowgam, Kumkadi and higher reaches of Kralpora in Kupwara district.
The District administration Kupwara has asked people to exercise caution in view of an avalanche warning issued for higher reaches and sloppy areas of the district for next 24 hours.
The people residing in these areas have been asked to take necessary precaution while moving outside their homes and refrain from venturing outside during the night hours for their own safety.
Kashmir valley was lashed by rains today and the Meteorological Department has forecast more rains and snowfall across Kashmir at isolated places tomorrow.
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