NEW DELHI: There was some respite from wintry conditions in northern plains even as fresh snowfall occurred in Kashmir Valley today with IMD predicting heavy to very heavy precipitation in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the next three days.
“There will be heavy to very heavy snowfall and rain in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from February 1 to February 3,” said an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
In view of the prediction for heavy to very heavy snowfall and rain due to a western disturbance in the region, the authorities concerned in these states have issued alerts, asking people living in the areas situated above 2,500 metres not to venture out of their homes during the period. Necessary arrangements are also being put in place.
An alert for three days starting today has been issued by the Uttarakhand administration. Forces “deployed in the border districts of Uttarakhand hills have all been alerted to deal with any eventuality,” Disaster Management & Mitigation Centre Executive Director Piyush Rautela told PTI in Dehradun.
The administrations in these districts have been asked to be vigilant and keep a tab especially in areas situated above 2,500 metres that will be more vulnerable to avalanches, Rautela said, adding “there is, however, no need to panic as all arrangements are in place.”
In Jammu and Kashmir, where Srinagar and other places in Kashmir received fresh snowfall today, the administration has made necessary arrangements in view of the warning.
“Snowfall is forecast for the next 48 hours in the valley… We are ready to deal with such an eventuality,” Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Rohit Kansal said, adding a three-tier plan has been prepared to ensure least disruption in movement of traffic in case of heavy snowfall.
“We want to ensure minimum disruption in (availability of) basic amenities to the residents…,” Kansal said.
Similar warning has been issued in Himachal Pradesh too, where mild snowfall occurred in higher reaches this evening. “Himachal Pradesh is likely to witness heavy to very heavy snowfall and rain on February 2 and February 3,” according to a forecast. Officials said authorities are taking measures to tackle any situation arising out of snowfall. (Agencies)
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