Heavy snowfall in the higher reaches has forced the closure of the Mughal Road, a crucial link between the Rajouri and Poonch districts and the Kashmir Valley, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and travelers facing severe difficulties. The abrupt halt in traffic has particularly affected the Peer Ki Gali area in the Poonch district, where significant snowfall created hazardous conditions for vehicular movement.
Reports indicate that the closure has triggered a chain of disruptions, with many travelers, including women and children, caught unaware. A traffic police official stated that the prevailing slippery conditions necessitated the suspension of traffic and advised commuters to avoid the route until the weather improves. The administration is facing mounting pressure to initiate immediate rescue operations to assist those stranded.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the sudden weather change has impacted a large number of people traveling for various purposes. Raqeeq Ahmed Khan, a leader of the Apni Party, who himself was among those stranded on the Mughal Road, estimated that at least 200 vehicles were stuck due to the heavy snowfall. He has urgently appealed to the administration to launch a rescue operation, emphasizing the presence of vulnerable individuals among the stranded.
Chowdhary Zulfikar Ali, a senior BJP leader, highlighted the plight of the stranded commuters in a social media post, noting that sudden heavy rainfall, snowfall, and hailstorms had contributed to the crisis. He emphasized that urgent intervention is needed to alleviate the situation and ensure the safety of those affected. The closure of the Mughal Road not only disrupts transportation but also poses significant challenges for the movement of essential supplies and services in the region.
Meanwhile, the MeT Centre in Srinagar has reported intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers across most areas, accompanied by hail and gusty winds at a few locations. The weather forecast indicates brief spells of rain and thunder at scattered places with hail and gusty winds expected particularly on May 5. However, from May 6 to 9, the weather conditions are likely to improve and remain generally dry, offering a window for potential reopening of the affected routes.
The MeT office has issued advisory urging suspension of boating and shikara riding activities during inclement weather to avoid mishaps. People have also been cautioned to stay away from loose structures, electric wires, and poles during periods of strong winds and thunderstorms. The unpredictable weather patterns in the region continue to pose challenges for both the local population and the administration, requiring constant vigilance and preparedness.
The administration is currently assessing the situation to determine when it will be safe to reopen the Mughal Road. Clearance operations are expected to begin as soon as the weather permits, with priority given to rescuing those who are currently stranded. The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the mountainous regions to sudden weather changes and the importance of having robust disaster management plans in place. Travelers are strongly advised to check weather forecasts and road conditions before embarking on journeys, particularly in areas prone to snowfall and landslides.
The disruption caused by the Mughal Road closure also impacts the local economy, as it is a vital trade route for agricultural produce and other goods. Delays in transportation can lead to spoilage of perishable items and increased costs for businesses. The long-term solution involves improving the road infrastructure and developing alternative routes to ensure connectivity during adverse weather conditions.
Further updates on the Mughal Road situation are awaited as the weather conditions evolve and rescue operations progress. Authorities are coordinating efforts to provide assistance to those stranded and to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the people living in the high-altitude regions of Jammu and Kashmir, where unpredictable weather can have a significant impact on daily life.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
Leave a Reply