Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Life in Kashmir: Flights and Rail Services Suspended, Jammu-Srinagar Highway Closed
The scenic valley of Kashmir has been brought to a standstill as a fresh spell of heavy snowfall has disrupted life in the region. The snowfall, which began on Friday night, has continued unabated, leaving a thick layer of snow on the roads, streets, and buildings. The inclement weather has forced the authorities to suspend flights and rail services, while the Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only road link connecting the valley to the rest of the country, has been closed due to heavy snowfall.
The snowfall has thrown life out of gear in Kashmir, with people struggling to venture out of their homes. The roads are slippery and snow-covered, making it difficult for vehicles to ply. The authorities have advised people to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. The snowfall has also caused power outages in many areas, leaving people without electricity and heating in the freezing cold.
The Kashmir University has also been affected by the snowfall, with the institution postponing all its examinations scheduled for Saturday. The University has announced that fresh dates for the postponed exams will be notified separately. The decision to postpone the exams was taken in view of the inclement weather, which has made it difficult for students to reach the examination centers.
The Jammu-Srinagar highway, which is the lifeline of the valley, has been closed due to heavy snowfall. The highway is closed at several places, including the Jawahar Tunnel, which is the main gateway to the valley. The tunnel is covered with a thick layer of snow, making it impossible for vehicles to pass through. The closure of the highway has left hundreds of passengers stranded, with many stuck in their vehicles for hours.
The airport in Srinagar, which is the main entry point to the valley, has also been affected by the snowfall. Flights have been suspended due to poor visibility, with many passengers left stranded at the airport. The authorities have announced that flights will resume only when the weather improves. The suspended flights have caused inconvenience to many passengers, who were scheduled to travel to and from the valley.
The rail services in the valley have also been suspended due to the snowfall. The train services between Banihal and Baramulla have been suspended, with many passengers left stranded at the railway stations. The suspension of train services has caused inconvenience to many people, who were relying on the trains to travel to and from the valley.
The authorities have pressed into service snow-clearing machines and men to clear the roads and highways. The machines are working round the clock to clear the snow, but the task is a daunting one. The snowfall is heavy, and the machines are finding it difficult to keep up with the rate at which the snow is falling.
The people of Kashmir are no strangers to snowfall, but the current spell of snow has been particularly heavy. The snowfall has brought life to a standstill, with people struggling to cope with the inclement weather. The authorities are working hard to restore normalcy, but it may take some time before life returns to normal in the valley.
In the meantime, the people of Kashmir are enjoying the snowfall, which has turned the valley into a winter wonderland. The snow-covered mountains, trees, and buildings are a sight to behold, and many people are venturing out to enjoy the snow. Children are building snowmen, and making snowballs, while adults are taking in the breathtaking views of the snow-covered valley.
The snowfall has also brought a smile to the faces of the farmers and orchardists, who are hoping that the snow will help to improve the water table and ensure a good crop. The snow is also expected to help to fill up the rivers and streams, which are the lifeline of the valley.
In conclusion, the heavy snowfall in Kashmir has disrupted life in the valley, with flights and rail services suspended, and the Jammu-Srinagar highway closed. The Kashmir University has postponed all its examinations scheduled for Saturday, while the authorities are working hard to restore normalcy. The people of Kashmir are no strangers to snowfall, but the current spell of snow has been particularly heavy. Despite the disruptions, the snowfall has brought a smile to the faces of the people, who are enjoying the beauty of the snow-covered valley.
Precautions to Take During Snowfall
While the snowfall is a beautiful sight, it can also be hazardous, especially for people who are not used to it. Here are some precautions that people can take to stay safe during snowfall:
- Stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.
- Wear warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and scarves, to prevent frostbite.
- Use snow boots or shoes with good traction to prevent slipping on icy roads and sidewalks.
- Keep a flashlight and a battery-powered radio on hand in case of a power outage.
- Stay away from power lines and other electrical sources, which can be hazardous during snowfall.
- Keep a first aid kit on hand, and know how to treat cold-related injuries, such as frostbite and hypothermia.
- Keep your car in good working condition, with a full tank of gas, and a winter emergency kit, which should include items such as a blanket, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
Impact of Snowfall on the Environment
The snowfall in Kashmir has a significant impact on the environment. The snow helps to recharge the groundwater, which is essential for the valley's agriculture and industry. The snow also helps to regulate the temperature, which is essential for the growth of crops and other plants. The snow-covered mountains and forests also provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including animals and birds.
However, the snowfall can also have a negative impact on the environment. The snow can cause avalanches, which can be deadly, especially in areas where the snow is deep and unstable. The snow can also cause landslides, which can block rivers and streams, and cause flooding. The snow can also cause power outages, which can have a devastating impact on the environment, especially in areas where the power is used to pump water and to operate sewage treatment plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the heavy snowfall in Kashmir has disrupted life in the valley, with flights and rail services suspended, and the Jammu-Srinagar highway closed. The Kashmir University has postponed all its examinations scheduled for Saturday, while the authorities are working hard to restore normalcy. The people of Kashmir are no strangers to snowfall, but the current spell of snow has been particularly heavy. Despite the disruptions, the snowfall has brought a smile to the faces of the people, who are enjoying the beauty of the snow-covered valley. The snowfall has a significant impact on the environment, and it is essential to take precautions to stay safe during snowfall.
