Heavy snowfall hits Doda, roads blocked, services disrupted

Heavy snowfall continued for the second consecutive day in the Bhalesa area of Doda district in the Jammu Division over the past 24 hours.

Due to snow obstructing roads and disrupting services, the SDM of Gandoh, Bhalesa, on behalf of the Doda district administration, advised residents to stay indoors as a safety measure. Temperatures in the region have dropped below zero.

Around one foot of snow has been recorded in the plains, while the upper hilly regions received nearly two to three feet of snowfall. Essential services, including electricity and water supply, have been disrupted. Several roads, including highways and link roads, remain blocked due to landslides, fallen trees, and heavy snow accumulation. Only emergency services are being allowed until conditions improve.

After a prolonged dry spell of nearly three months, snowfall began in both the plains and upper reaches of Bhalesa and adjoining areas from midnight on Friday.

As the region was blanketed in snow, residents expressed relief and happiness over the much-awaited snowfall.

Banihal town in Ramban district also witnessed the season’s first heavy snowfall on Friday, as fresh snow covered the entire region. The snowfall began late at night and continued for several hours, leading to a sharp drop in temperature and reduced visibility.

Meanwhile, Baramulla, Budgam, and the hill resort town of Batote in Ramban also received significant snowfall, covering the areas in a white blanket.

The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was closed on Friday due to heavy rain and snowfall, with movement also halted at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur.

Snowfall also disrupted air travel, with Srinagar Airport and IndiGo Airlines announcing the temporary suspension and cancellation of several flights.

Authorities said that in view of ongoing rain and snow accumulation up to Ramsoo, all types of traffic were halted at safer locations on NH-44 as a precautionary measure due to slippery road conditions.

Earlier, MLA Daleep Singh Parihar said that the ongoing Bhaderwah Winter Carnival is contributing to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy by attracting tourists from across the country, and expressed gratitude to visitors who travelled from distant places to attend the festival.