The Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Jammu and Kashmir has been reopened for traffic, with priority given to stranded vehicles. The highway had been closed due to heavy snowfall near the Navyug tunnel on January 23.
Flight operations have also resumed at Srinagar International Airport, except for three flights canceled in Delhi. However, the Srinagar-Leh highway, Mughal Road, and roads through Sinthan and Razdan Pass remain closed. Travelers are advised to contact the traffic department control room before embarking on these routes.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light rain and snow in isolated places in the union territory from January 26 to January 27. Farmers are advised to halt farming activities until January 28, and the public is warned against venturing into avalanche-prone areas in the snowbound higher reaches.
Temperatures in Srinagar city dropped to minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg recorded minus 10.2 and Pahalgam minus 6.2 as the minimum temperatures. In Jammu city, the temperature was 7.1 degrees Celsius, with Katra town at 6.2, Batote at minus 0.1, Banihal at minus 2, and Bhaderwah at minus 4.
Recent snowfall following a prolonged dry spell has alleviated concerns for agriculturists, horticulturists, and the general public. The heavy snowfall in the mountains is expected to sustain water sources during the upcoming hot summer months. The plains of the Valley experienced the first snowfall of the season on January 23.
The 40-day period of severe winter cold known as ‘Chilla kalan’ began on December 21 and will conclude on January 30.
