Srinagar, March 8 — Authorities on Saturday suspended vehicular movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road after fresh snowfall at Razdan Top made the high-altitude pass slippery and unsafe for traffic, officials said.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez Mukhtar Ahmad confirmed that traffic on the road connecting Bandipora with the remote Gurez Valley has been halted until further orders.
“Due to snowfall at Razdan Top and as a precautionary measure, movement on the Bandipora–Gurez road shall remain suspended till further orders,” the SDM said.
Officials said snowfall at the mountainous Razdan Pass — which links Bandipora with the remote Gurez Valley near the Line of Control — reduced visibility and created hazardous road conditions, leading authorities to suspend traffic to avoid any untoward incidents.
The sky over Srinagar remained overcast on Saturday, with reports of snowfall emerging from Razdan Top.
Authorities said the situation is being monitored and the road will be reopened once weather conditions improve and clearance operations are carried out.
The Bandipora–Gurez highway frequently faces disruptions during winter because of heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions at the high-altitude pass.
Meanwhile, an independent weather forecaster has predicted a moderate to strong Western Disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir between the night of March 9 and March 12, which could bring widespread rain and snowfall across the region.
“Heavy snowfall is possible over higher reaches including Sonamarg–Zojila axis, Sinthan Top–Peer Ki Gali, Razdan Top–Sadhna Top, Gurez Valley and other upper reaches. Very heavy snow depth is expected over extreme higher reaches,” the forecaster said.
According to the forecast, Kashmir plains are likely to receive moderate to heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms, with higher activity expected over north Kashmir.
“Peak activity is expected during the evening hours of March 10 and March 12,” the forecaster added.