After experiencing an unusually dry winter, Kashmir welcomed a significant snowfall on Sunday, transforming the region into a picturesque winter wonderland. This recent weather change, however, has led to disruptions in daily life, including the cancellation of flights and the temporary closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
Srinagar’s airport had to cancel all flights for the day due to the snowfall, as the weather conditions made it unsafe for air travel. An official from the Airports Authority of India confirmed that the adverse weather was the main reason for these disruptions. Additionally, IndiGo, a leading airline, announced the cancellation of six flights to and from Srinagar and Leh, attributing the decision to the closure of runways at these airports due to the snow. The airline has offered affected passengers full refunds or the option to rebook on alternative flights.
The snowfall also triggered a landslide in the Ramban district of Jammu, leading to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for several hours. This key roadway is critical for transportation in the region, and its closure effectively cut off travel between Jammu and Kashmir. Traffic police worked to clear part of the highway later in the day, but travel advisories remain in place, cautioning against unnecessary journeys on this route.
The sudden shift from a dry spell to heavy snowfall highlights the region’s susceptibility to abrupt weather changes. This situation underscores the importance of having resilient infrastructure in place, capable of quickly responding to and recovering from such natural events.
Despite the inconveniences, the snowfall has been a source of joy for many Kashmiris, providing a welcome break from the long period of dry weather. The snow-covered landscape has brought beauty to the area, reminding residents and visitors alike of the valley’s renowned scenic charm.
As snow-clearing operations continue, authorities are working to restore normalcy in the region, emphasizing the need for preparedness and adaptability in the face of changing weather patterns.
Read Also:
