Flight operations, train services restored
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Jan 24: Weather conditions across Kashmir improved today as the Western Disturbance (WD) moved away from Jammu and Kashmir bringing bright sunshine to most parts of the Valley with flight operations and train services back to normal.
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According to the Meteorological Department, the weather is expected to remain largely dry over the next 48 hours. However, another Western Disturbance is likely to approach the region from Monday afternoon, which may lead to light to moderate rain and snowfall in parts of J&K.
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Despite improved day temperatures, the night temperatures dropped sharply at several places, with severe cold reported across the region.
Zethan Rafiabad recorded a minimum temperature of minus 10.9°C, Beerwah in Budgam minus 8.2°C, and Gulmarg minus 12.0°C.
-Excelsior/Shakeel
Srinagar recorded minus 1.4°C, Qazigund minus 4.2°C, Pahalgam minus 7.6°C, Kupwara minus 4.0°C, Kokernag minus 6.2°C, Pampore minus 5.0°C, and Srinagar Airport minus 3.2°C. Sonamarg also experienced intense cold at minus 10.5°C.
The MeT Department has forecast light rain or snowfall at isolated places on January 24 and 25.
From January 26 to 27, light to moderate precipitation is expected at most places, with the possibility of moderate to heavy rain or snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds at a few locations, particularly during the night of January 26 and throughout January 27.
Weather is likely to remain partly cloudy from January 28 to 31 and again from February 1 to 3.
An advisory has been issued by the MeT Department warning of possible moderate to heavy rain or snowfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds from the late night of January 26 till the evening of January 27.
Travellers and transporters have been advised to check road and highway conditions before undertaking journeys, while farmers have been asked to suspend farm operations until January 28.
Residents in snowbound higher reaches have also been cautioned against venturing into steep and avalanche-prone areas.
Meanwhile, independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng said the departing Western Disturbance added a few more inches of snowfall overnight in parts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Baramulla, Budgam, Bandipora, and Kishtwar.
He noted that snowfall was reported even in areas that had not witnessed snow in nearly a decade, attributing the unusual spread to a strong cold air mass associated with the system, which, as per him, led to favourable conditions and a sharp drop in temperatures even in relatively warmer regions.
Restoration of civic amenities continued across the Valley, with the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) stating that nearly 80 per cent of the electricity supply has been restored.
Officials told Excelsior that restoration work is ongoing despite challenges posed by accumulated snow, and complete restoration is expected by tomorrow.
In a daytime update, the KPDCL said 119 of the 33 kV feeders were operational, accounting for 88 per cent, while 873 of the 11 kV feeders were restored, amounting to 67.05 per cent. The total power load in Kashmir stood at 1,138 MW.
Air traffic operations at Srinagar Airport were also restored today; however, six flights were cancelled due to a NOTAM issued at Delhi Airport, while one flight was cancelled because of bad weather. Barring these disruptions, flight operations remained normal.
On snow clearance operations, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said nearly 75 percent of roads across the Valley have been cleared following the heavy snowfall, with work underway on the remaining stretches.
Speaking to reporters here, after visiting the Balidan Stambh, Garg said high-speed winds preceding the snowfall caused damage at several locations, but departments responded swiftly and initiated restoration work without delay.
He said power restoration has been carried out effectively and at a fast pace, adding that the remaining 132 kV stations will be restored shortly.
“All stations are expected to become operational today, and restoration work in the remaining areas is underway,” he said.
Garg said weather conditions have improved overall and essential services are expected to be fully restored by evening.
“Flight operations and train services have resumed and are back to normal. Snow clearance in far-flung areas is also being ensured,” he added.
He further said a comprehensive snow-clearance plan involving the Mechanical Engineering Department (MED), Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, and other agencies has been implemented.
“Out of a total road network of around 20,000 kilometres, about 75 per cent has been cleared. Clearance of interior roads is in progress and will be completed by evening,” he said.
Meanwhile, several roads and interior lanes across parts of north Kashmir remained snowbound as snow clearance had yet to begin.
In Rafiabad, road clearance had not been carried out in several upper-reach areas, including Shalkoot, Balhama, Ladoo Ladura, Chatosa, Munddagi, Dalri Dagarpora, Hachapora and Tangmulla.
In Sopore, the road leading to the Primary Health Centre at Tarzoo remains uncleared, raising concerns over access to healthcare.
Other affected areas include Chankhan Sofi Akbar Road, the Altaf Ahmad Najar locality, Lane No. 03 of Mohalla Hamza, and Badam Bagh Sector C.
Roads near the Industrial Estate Mazbug and the office of the Chief Conservator in Sopore are also blocked, with locals alleging that no snow-clearing machinery has been deployed so far.
Border areas of Uri in Baramulla district have witnessed widespread road closures due to heavy snowfall.
Roads in Mothal, Hathlanga, Soura, Chrunda, Batgran, Gowata, Gohallan, Kamalkote, Limber, Madan, Chotali, and Dudran remained closed.
Similarly, the upper reaches of Baramulla continue to face connectivity issues, with multiple link roads remaining inaccessible.
In the Kreeri area, inner link roads at Zamindar Mohalla, Teli Mohalla, Sheikh Mohalla, Gosia Colony, Waripora Payeen, and Dulapora village have not been cleared, residents said.
In Kupwara district, several areas including Manchatar, Khanbal, Marsari, Awatkul, Hafrada, and Hachmarg are also facing road blockades due to snow accumulation.
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