Himachal Pradesh And Kashmir Weather: Snowfall Disrupts Traffic, Thousands Rescued

Himachal Pradesh Snowfall: Heavy snowfall has caused widespread disruptions across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, leading to road closures, stranded vehicles, and large-scale rescue operations. In Himachal Pradesh, around 5,000 tourists were rescued from Solang Nala in Kullu, while Srinagar in Kashmir experienced its season’s first snowfall, affecting traffic and essential services.

Himachal Pradesh: Tourists Rescued Amid Heavy Snowfall

Himachal Pradesh witnessed heavy snowfall across several districts, including Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, and Kinnaur.

1. Kullu Rescue Operation:
   • Approximately 5,000 tourists were stranded at Solang Nala, a popular ski resort in Kullu, after 1,000 vehicles got stuck due to snowfall.
   • Himachal Pradesh Police launched a rescue operation on December 27 to bring the tourists and their vehicles to safety.
   • “The rescue operation is still ongoing,” Kullu police said in a statement.
2. IMD Alert:
   • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall and cold waves on December 27 and 28.
   • Residents and travelers have been advised to remain cautious, particularly in snow-affected areas where road blockages are common.
3. Snowfall Impact Across Districts:
   • Heavy snowfall disrupted normal life in several districts, making roads icy and unsafe for travel.
   • Emergency teams are working to clear snow from critical routes to restore connectivity.

Kashmir Sees Season’s First Snowfall

The Kashmir Valley, too, faced significant disruptions as heavy snowfall blanketed the region, leading to traffic snarls and road closures.

1. Snowfall Details:
   • Light to moderate snowfall was recorded across most of Kashmir, including the plains of Srinagar, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama.
   • Srinagar city recorded three inches of snow, while famous tourist spots like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam also experienced fresh snowfall.
2. Traffic Disruptions:
   • The Srinagar-Leh Highway and Mughal Road were closed due to heavy snowfall.
   • The Srinagar-Jammu national highway was also affected, leaving around 2,000 vehicles stranded.
3. Government Efforts:
   • Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that snow clearance is underway and efforts are being made to clear stranded vehicles.
   • “The road is very icy, and heavy vehicles are being allowed to move first,” Abdullah posted on X.

Weather Forecast And Advisory

The IMD has predicted an improvement in weather conditions starting Saturday forenoon, offering hope for resuming normalcy in the affected areas.

1. Cold Wave Warning:
   • The IMD has warned of cold waves and issued advisories for residents to take necessary precautions.
2. Improvement Expected:
   • Weather is likely to clear by Saturday, aiding snow clearance and restoration efforts.
3. Travel Advisory:
   • Travelers have been urged to avoid snow-covered areas and remain updated on road and weather conditions.

Challenges Faced During Snowfall

Both regions are grappling with the challenges posed by heavy snowfall, including:

1. Road Blockages:
   • Key highways and roads have been blocked, affecting transportation and supply chains.
2. Stranded Tourists And Vehicles:
   • Thousands of tourists in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir were stranded due to treacherous conditions.
3. Disruptions To Daily Life:
   • Residents faced challenges in accessing essential services like heating, water supply, and communication.

Emergency Measures Undertaken

Authorities in both regions have taken swift action to mitigate the impact of snowfall and ensure the safety of residents and tourists.

1. Rescue Operations:
   • Large-scale rescue operations were launched to evacuate stranded tourists in Kullu.
   • Emergency services are on standby to respond to critical situations.
2. Snow Clearance:
   • Snow-clearing operations are in full swing to restore road connectivity in affected areas.
3. Public Safety Campaigns:
   • Authorities are issuing regular advisories and updates to keep residents informed and safe.

Tourism During Snowfall: An Icy Adventure

While snowfall disrupts daily life, it also brings a surge in tourists seeking to experience the winter wonderland.

1. Popular Destinations:
   • Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Solang Nala, and Manali remain hotspots for winter tourism.
2. Tourist Safety:
   • Authorities are focusing on ensuring the safety of tourists while maintaining access to popular spots.
3. Economic Impact:
   • Snowfall boosts local tourism but also strains resources due to rescue and restoration efforts.

Looking Ahead

With weather expected to improve, authorities are optimistic about restoring normalcy in the coming days. The focus remains on clearing blocked roads, assisting stranded individuals, and preventing further disruptions.

The heavy snowfall serves as a reminder of the beauty and challenges of winter in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. For travelers, it’s an icy adventure, but for residents, it’s a call for resilience and preparation.