Gurez Oct 14 (NVI): Moderate to heavy snowfall blanketed Gurez Valley in north Kashmir, including Razdan Top, Kilshay Top and Kobal Gali, with nearly five inches of snow recorded at Razdan Top, officials said on Wednesday.
The fresh spell of snowfall has covered the higher reaches of the valley, bringing a noticeable change in weather conditions and making roads slippery, particularly along the mountainous stretches connecting the remote areas of Gurez with other parts of the Kashmir Valley.
Officials said nearly five inches of snow had accumulated at Razdan Top, a high-altitude mountain pass that serves as a crucial link between Gurez and the rest of the Kashmir Valley. Snowfall was also reported from Kilshay Top and Kobal Gali, where the prevailing weather conditions have posed challenges for road movement.
Following the snowfall, machinery has been deployed to restore connectivity and facilitate movement along the affected stretches. The restoration work is underway to clear snow and address slippery road conditions, officials said.
Razdan Top, which remains vulnerable to snowfall and adverse weather during the colder months, is a vital route for residents and essential supplies travelling to and from Gurez. Snow accumulation at the pass can affect traffic movement, particularly during periods of continuous precipitation and freezing temperatures.
The snowfall has once again highlighted the challenges associated with maintaining road connectivity in the region’s high-altitude areas, where changing weather conditions can disrupt normal movement.
Officials said efforts were being made to restore connectivity, while road conditions in the affected areas continued to require caution.
Gurez Valley, located in the Bandipora district of north Kashmir near the Line of Control, experiences snowfall in its upper reaches as temperatures begin to fall during the autumn season. Razdan Top, the principal road link to the valley, is particularly susceptible to adverse weather conditions.
Further details regarding the restoration of road connectivity and prevailing weather conditions are awaited.—(NVI)
