JAMMU, Jan 24: The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained closed for the second consecutive day on Saturday due to slippery road conditions caused by heavy rain and snowfall, bringing life to a standstill across several hilly areas of Jammu province.
Incessant snowfall continued for the second night in popular hill resorts including Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar and Batote, as well as in Banihal, Gool and adjoining areas, severely affecting normal life. Authorities said traffic on NH-44 and NH-244 was halted as a precautionary measure, with vehicles stopped at safer locations up to Ramsoo due to treacherous road conditions.
Markets in Batote town of Ramban district remained largely deserted, forcing many shopkeepers to keep their shutters down for the second day in a row. Despite the disruptions, tourists, especially snow enthusiasts stranded due to road closures, were seen enjoying the snowfall, with children playing in the snow.
The long-awaited snowfall, however, also led to major disruptions in power and water supply, surface transport and telecommunications. The Ramban district administration appeared ill-prepared for the sudden spell, with inadequate road-clearing machinery and limited staff from the Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited and Jal Shakti Vibhag.
Remote tehsils such as Batote, Banihal, Gool, Ukhral and Rajgarh remained cut off from the Ramban district headquarters for the second day. Earlier, NH-44 was closed on Friday, with traffic also suspended at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur.
Snowfall also impacted air travel, prompting Srinagar Airport and IndiGo Airlines to temporarily suspend and cancel several flights. Meanwhile, heavy snowfall continued in the Bhalesa area of Doda district for the past 24 hours. The district administration advised residents to remain indoors as temperatures dipped below zero.
Officials said around one foot of snow was recorded in the plains, while upper reaches received two to three feet, disrupting essential services. Several highways and link roads remain blocked due to landslides, fallen trees and heavy snow accumulation, with only emergency services permitted until conditions improve. (Agencies)
