Fog affects air, train services; 5 flights cancelled
*Srinagar-Leh NH closed after snowfall at Zojila
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Dec 20: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is likely to face a spell of wet weather, including moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches as the Western Disturbances (WDs) may hit the region tomorrow, whereas, at least five flights were cancelled and several trains and flights were delayed in Jammu due to dense fog today.
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Srinagar-Leh National Highway was closed after Zojila axis of Ladakh region witnessed light to moderate snowfall late this evening. It was raining and snowing in the Zojila, Menamarg and Gumri area when the last reports came in.
Official sources said that due to dense fog and poor visibility at least 129 flights operating from Union Capital Delhi were cancelled today, leaving thousands of passengers in tizzy. Huge rush of passengers was witnessed at Airports and the Railway Stations due to delayed operation of several flights and trains. Click here to watch video
The Meteorological department has forecast a spell of wet weather on December 21, coinciding with the onset of ‘Chillai-Kalan’, which begins on December 21 every year and ends on January 31.
“Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected in the higher reaches of Kashmir and parts of Jammu, while light to moderate precipitation may affect the plains as the Western Disturbances may hit the region on December 21,” the MeT office said.
Chances of snowfall are maximum and most frequent during this period, with temperatures dropping sharply across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Kashmir valley, Pir Panjal and Chenab region have not witnessed any major wet spell so far this winter. The dry weather has led to an increase in ailments such as cough and the common cold.
Meanwhile, the night temperature improved across the Valley, with Pulwama emerging as the coldest place with a minimum of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, according to the MeT office.
Srinagar recorded a low of minus 0.4 degree Celsius, about 2 degrees up from the previous night’s minus 2.1 degrees Celsius, the officials said.
A thick layer of fog engulfed Srinagar and most other parts of the Valley this morning, especially near the water bodies.
Pahalgam, the Amarnath Yatra base camp, recorded a low of minus 1 degree Celsius, while Kokernag and Qazigund recorded 0.8 and minus 1 degree Celsius, respectively.
The temperature in Kupwara in north Kashmir settled at minus 0.7 degree Celsius, while in Gulmarg, the minimum temperature settled above the freezing point at 2 degrees Celsius, it said.
Due to dense fog during morning and evening hours in Jammu, the Sun was hardly visible today. There has been further drop in temperature in the winter capital city as compared to Friday. Jammu recorded a minimum of 9.2 deg Celsius temperature today against the 9.9 deg C on Friday.
Bhaderwah, a tourist destination of Jammu region, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4 deg C, Banihal town 3.8 deg C, Batote 4.3 deg while Katra Mata Vaishnodevi, registered a minimum temperature of 10 deg C today.
With the continuous dense fog for the last couple of days, the flight and train operation has been badly hit in the region.
Director, Airport Authority, Jammu, SK Garg said that five flights of Indigo and Air India operators were cancelled and seven others delayed at Jammu airport on Saturday. He said due to poor visibility during morning hours, most of the flights operated after 12 noon from Jammu Airport.
Garg further said that even during evening hours, several flights were hit due to foggy weather. Three Srinagar bound flights were also affected with the fog today, he added.
Another official said that the Centre Government has issued clear instructions to air carriers to inform passengers concerned about the actual status of the flights.
The Government has also asked the airlines to ensure the comfort of the passengers in case of flight delays.
Around 66 arrivals and 63 departures were cancelled for the day at Delhi airport, according to information available so far, he added.
Ministry of Civil Aviation has said that in view of prevailing fog and low-visibility conditions impacting flight operations, airlines have been directed to strictly comply with passenger facilitation norms, in the interest of passenger safety and convenience, which include timely and accurate flight information, the official said. The Ministry has said there should be arrangement of meals and refreshments for extended delays, rebooking, or refunds in case of cancellations and there should not be denial of boarding after timely check-in, provide assistance during diversions, and assistance for persons with disabilities.
A Northern Railway spokesman said that Malwa Express arrived late by 6.30 hours and also departed about 6.20 hrs late from Jammu station today.
He said Vande Bharat train arrived 4 hours late and its departure was delayed by 3 hours and 57 minutes. Humsafar Express arrived 3.50 hours late, Pooja Express was delayed by about 5 hours; SBP-JAT Express arrived 5.45 hours late while Hemkund Express reached Jammu station about 2 hours late. Its departure was also delayed by about one hour and 57 minutes, the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, with the thick blanket of fog in the region, the operation of inter-state and inter-district buses/ vehicles has also been badly hit. Even the vehicles were witnessed using headlights on while moving on the city roads amidst poor visibility of less than 50- 100 meters this morning.
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