Srinagar-Leh Highway Closed as Fresh Snow Blankets Baltal

Srinagar-Leh Highway Closed as Fresh Snow Blankets Baltal

Srinagar-Leh Highway Closed as Fresh Snow Blankets Baltal

Authorities have taken the decision to close the Srinagar-Leh Highway for vehicular movement due to substantial snow accumulation at Baltal in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal District. Baltal, situated 75 km from Ganderbal and 93 km from Srinagar, serves as a crucial camping ground for pilgrims making their way to the sacred destinations. Notably, it is located 15 kilometres north of Sonmarg, enhancing its significance in the pilgrimage route.

Border Roads Organisation Responds to Snowfall

The Border Roads Organisation, responsible for developing and maintaining road networks in border areas, has shared a video capturing the recent snowfall in the region. The closure of the Srinagar-Leh Highway indicates the challenging conditions posed by the winter weather, impacting both travel and pilgrimage activities.

Snowfall Extends Across the Region

In addition to Baltal, other areas in Jammu and Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall. The Pir Panjal range in Poonch district witnessed a white blanket covering its peaks, showcasing the winter’s grip on the region. Furthermore, the Gurez Valley, situated in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, also received a significant amount of snow on Sunday morning.

Gurez Valley Closed Off Amidst Snowfall Predictions

Gurez Valley, a high Himalayan region located 86 kilometres from Bandipora and 123 kilometres from Srinagar, witnessed upper reaches, including Tulail Valley and Dawar village, being covered in fresh snow. Predictions from the Srinagar weather department indicate heavy to very heavy snowfall over the higher reaches of the Kashmir division in the coming three days. Consequently, the authorities have taken precautionary measures by closing the Gurez-Bandipora road for traffic movement.

Amidst these weather conditions, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued a seven-day forecast, indicating a drop in temperatures. The minimum temperature in Srinagar city is expected to reach 3 degrees Celsius, with a maximum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius. The forecast for Gulmarg, the renowned ski resort in Kashmir, records a minimum temperature of minus 3 degrees Celsius.

In a recent update on February 17, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar highlighted, “18-20 Feb: Light to moderate Snow/Rain over plains with heavy to very heavy snow over higher reaches of KMR Division & Pir Panjal Range of JMU Division.” The India Meteorological Department has also predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh on February 18 and 20, with Uttarakhand experiencing the same on February 19 and 20.

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