Kashmir Snowfall: Highways and Flights Disrupted, Locals Aid Stranded Tourists
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Srinagar, Dec 29 (NationPress) The severe snowfall across Kashmir led to continued disruptions for the second day on Sunday, though quick administrative measures successfully restored electricity in most areas of the Valley.
The Srinagar-Jammu national highway, Mughal Road, Srinagar-Leh highway, and all routes through mountain passes remained inaccessible for a second day.
Flights to Srinagar International Airport were cancelled on Saturday, with airport officials indicating that the situation is under evaluation for potential flight restoration.
In response to the plight of stranded tourists on highways, local residents stepped up to assist. In the Kulgam and Anantnag districts, locals opened their homes and mosques to accommodate tourists. Kashmiris provided food and heating arrangements for those stranded.
Families of the stranded tourists expressed profound gratitude and respect for the locals, who emerged from their villages, towns, and highway residences upon discovering that children and elderly tourists were enduring the bitter cold.
“This is genuine Kashmiriyat. We all pay tribute to the unforgettable kindness shown by local people. Through this noble act, they have showcased the greatness for which Kashmir is renowned. The people here are as remarkable and noble as the land itself. This should dispel any misinformation spread against these wonderful fellow countrymen,” remarked Shushant from Uttar Pradesh, who was stranded alongside his wife and two children on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
The local electricity department's field staff, particularly the linemen and temporary workers, have provided invaluable service during the restoration of electricity. Despite facing extreme cold and heavy snowfall, these unsung heroes tackled downed and damaged transmission lines, climbed high electric poles and towers, and put their lives at risk to restore power supply in most areas of the Valley.
“They have not only executed their duties with exceptional professionalism but also demonstrated that heroes are not merely fictional characters. They walk among us in ordinary clothing, leading their lives in extraordinary ways,” said Abdul Gani Mir, a resident of the old city of Srinagar.
Authorities have suspended three assistant engineers for being absent during critical times.
The minimum temperature saw a significant improvement across the Valley on Sunday, with Srinagar city recording a low of minus 0.2 degrees. The temperature had previously plummeted to minus 8.5 degrees a few days earlier in Srinagar.
The Meteorological (MeT) office has predicted generally overcast weather with occasional sunshine in Jammu and Kashmir over the next 24 hours.
