Gulmarg glows in fresh snow; Govt issues winter travel advisory
Srinagar, Dec 8: The higher reaches of Kashmir, including the ski resort of Gulmarg, received fresh snowfall on Sunday even as the Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted more precipitation during the next 24 hours. However, the snowfall disrupted traffic on some key routes.
The Mughal Road, which connects south Kashmir’s Shopian district to the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu division, was closed due to snow accumulation. The Sinthan Pass in Kishtwar also became impassable, causing travel disruptions in the areas, Traffic Police officials said.
In addition to Gulmarg, fresh snowfall was reported in other high-altitude areas, including Machhil and Bangus Valley in Kupwara district, and the upper reaches of Bandipora. The Pir Panjal mountain range and various other areas in the higher altitudes of Jammu and Kashmir also witnessed snow showers, adding to the winter ambience. The snowfall has intensified cold wave conditions across Kashmir. Although night temperatures improved slightly from the previous night, they remained below freezing in most areas.
Also Read | Tourists Flock to Kashmir Amid Freezing Temperatures and Breathtaking Scenic Beauty
The ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in Kashmir. Srinagar, recorded a low of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, slightly warmer than the minus 2 degrees Celsius reported the previous night.
Meanwhile, the Pahalgam tourist destination recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, compared to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius the night before. Kupwara, in the north, saw a significant rise in temperature, with a low of 0.4 degrees Celsius compared to minus 3.6 degrees Celsius the previous night.
Other regions like Qazigund and Kokernag also recorded slight improvements in night temperatures. The MeT in Srinagar has forecast generally cloudy weather with chances of light rain and snow in some areas of Kashmir and Jammu divisions until Monday forenoon.
A weak Western Disturbance is expected to affect the region on December 12, bringing light rain and snow to some areas. However, the overall weather is likely to remain mostly dry till December 17. Meanwhile, Peer Ki Gali recorded around 6 inches of snow, Sinthan Top 5 to 6 inches, Doodhpatri around 4 to 5 inches, Gulmarg received 2 to 3 inches and Baltal, Pahalgam 5 inches.
The Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gulmarg has issued a comprehensive winter travel advisory to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters travelling along the Gulmarg-Tangmarg road during the upcoming winter season. The advisory had been issued to address challenges posed by heavy snowfall and slippery road conditions, which often lead to accidents and traffic congestion.
As per the advisory, only 4×4 vehicles and those equipped with anti-skid chains are allowed to travel on the route until the ice melts while Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) with a seating capacity of 10 or fewer seats are permitted to ensure smooth traffic flow.
The vendors registered with authorities have been authorised to install anti-skid chains on vehicles. Such vendors are required to operate exclusively in designated parking areas to avoid traffic disruptions.
Also Read | Discover Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Beyond: Kashmir in Winter Like Never Before
The price for anti-skid chains has been fixed at Rs 600 per pair. As per the advisory, the tour operators and private vehicle owners must use designated parking areas in Tangmarg to prevent roadside congestion.
Similarly, coat and boot vendors have been instructed to avoid crowding roads in a bid to attract tourists, which often causes traffic jams. The SDM stressed strict adherence to these guidelines to ensure the safety of commuters and tourists during the harsh winter conditions.
The advisory also encourages collaboration between travellers, local authorities, and service providers to maintain order and reduce travel-related inconveniences in the area. Locals and tourists have been urged to cooperate with the new regulations to facilitate safe and hassle-free travel on this vital route.
