Srinagar, November 11: Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday brought an early winter spell to the region, covering popular tourist destinations and mountain passes, including Gulmarg, Kongdoori, Gurez, Sonamarg, Zojila Pass, Minamarg and Peer Ki Gali in a fresh blanket of snow. Meanwhile, light rainfall was recorded in the plains, including the summer capital Srinagar.
The fresh snowfall transformed the mountainous landscapes into picturesque winter scenes, while the plains witnessed light rainfall. The precipitation comes ahead of a significant weather system expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from November 12 to 14.
In Gulmarg, fresh snowfall at Kongdoori covered the elevated mountain slopes and surrounding areas, adding to the scenic beauty of the famous tourist destination. The snow-covered landscape presented a striking winter spectacle, offering an early glimpse of the region’s approaching winter season.
Kongdoori, one of Gulmarg’s prominent tourist attractions, is known for its panoramic mountain views and spectacular landscapes. The fresh snowfall has further enhanced its winter appeal, as popular tourist destinations across Kashmir prepare for the season’s first major snow spell.
Meanwhile, Zojila Pass, Sonamarg, Minamarg and Gumri also received fresh snowfall during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. Despite slippery conditions developing along parts of Zojila Pass, traffic movement on the strategic Srinagar-Leh highway remained uninterrupted.
Section Officer Traffic Police Sonamarg, Saad Jaffar, told that vehicles were being allowed to proceed from Sonamarg towards Kargil and that traffic movement had not been affected. He, however, cautioned that light slippery conditions had developed on some stretches of Zojila Pass due to snowfall.
In another development, fresh snowfall was reported at Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road and in Gurez Valley of north Kashmir. Authorities subsequently closed the Mughal Road for vehicular movement as a precautionary measure following snowfall in the Peer Ki Gali area.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Traffic, Rajouri-Poonch Range, Ajaz Ahmed Choudhury, said the closure was ordered due to slippery road conditions. Commuters have been advised to avoid travelling on the route until further clearance and remain in contact with traffic control rooms for updates.
Gurez Valley also received fresh snowfall, covering parts of the picturesque region in white. In view of the approaching adverse weather conditions, the Bandipora district administration has temporarily prohibited tourists from visiting the valley and advised those already staying there to plan their departure in coordination with the District Control Room.
The snowfall comes ahead of a significant Western Disturbance forecast to affect Jammu and Kashmir between November 12 and 14. According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, the main spell is expected to begin during the early hours of November 12 and continue until the morning of November 14.
Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said the approaching weather system was significant, with widespread rainfall expected in the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall likely across higher reaches.
He said popular tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri, were likely to receive the season’s first significant snowfall during the three-day weather spell.
Several high-altitude mountain passes, including Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Zojila, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Top and Margan Pass, are also likely to receive heavy snowfall, with accumulations of one to two feet possible at some locations.
The Meteorological Department has further indicated a possibility of light snowfall or mixed precipitation over parts of Shopian, Kulgam, Kupwara, Bandipora and adjoining areas.
In view of the forecast, the Bandipora district administration has issued precautionary advisories, asking tourists to avoid travelling towards Gurez. Those already present in the valley have been advised to coordinate their departure with the authorities before road connectivity is affected.
Candidates scheduled to appear in the Accounts Assistant written examination on November 15 have also been advised to plan their journeys in advance and reach their examination centres before weather conditions deteriorate.
The administration has additionally advised expectant mothers residing in upper reaches, whose expected dates of delivery fall within the next month, to shift to nearby hospitals to ensure timely medical assistance in case snowfall disrupts road connectivity.
Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel towards higher reaches and refrain from organising social gatherings in vulnerable areas during the forecast period.
Meanwhile, the Anantnag district administration has activated its District Emergency Operation Centre round the clock to respond to weather-related emergencies and public grievances. Departments, including Public Works (R&B), Mechanical Engineering, Revenue, Flood Control, PMGSY, Urban Local Bodies, KPDCL, Jal Shakti and Health and Medical Education, have been directed to take precautionary measures and keep manpower and machinery ready.
The administration has issued helpline numbers 01932-227112, 9697982527, 7780885759 and 9419091681 for public assistance.
The Meteorological Department has advised tourists, travellers and transporters to plan their journeys in advance, check road conditions before setting out and strictly follow traffic advisories.
Farmers have also been advised to suspend harvesting operations on November 12 and 13 and ensure that harvested crops are safely stored to prevent damage from rainfall and snowfall.
The approaching weather system could affect traffic on several important mountain routes, particularly the Srinagar-Leh highway via Zojila, the Mughal Road and other high-altitude passes.
With fresh snow already covering several mountainous destinations and a stronger Western Disturbance approaching, Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for its first significant winter spell of the season, which could further transform the region’s higher reaches while posing challenges to transportation and daily life in vulnerable areas.
