Doda, J&K: The higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the season’s first snowfall on Thursday, covering parts of Doda district, Gurez Valley in Bandipora and Pir Ki Gali in the Pir Panjal Range in fresh snow. The snowfall brought down temperatures across the region, while authorities began clearing snow from key mountain routes to restore traffic movement.
Fresh Snowfall in Gurez Valley, Doda
In Doda district, snowfall and cloudy conditions covered the mountainous landscape, marking the onset of winter-like weather in the higher reaches.
North Kashmir’s Gurez Valley also received fresh snowfall, with around two inches recorded in the plains and four to five inches in higher areas. Dawar, Tulail, Bagtore, Tragbal and Razdan Top were among the locations that witnessed fresh snowfall.
Following the snowfall at Razdan Top and other higher reaches, the 85-km-long Bandipora-Gurez road was closed to vehicular traffic.
The closure has raised concerns about road safety amid falling temperatures and slippery conditions. Travellers have been advised to follow official weather and traffic advisories and avoid the route until authorities confirm that vehicular movement has resumed.
Snow-Clearing Operations Begin at Pir Ki Gali
Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation’s 79 Road Construction Company (RCC) began snow-clearing operations at Pir Ki Gali following the season’s first snowfall in the Pir Panjal Range.
The operation aims to clear the route and facilitate traffic movement between Poonch and Kashmir.
Dhauladhar Snowfall Brings Cold Weather to Dharamshala
Elsewhere, fresh snowfall in the Dhauladhar mountain range and continuous rainfall in Dharamshala have led to a sharp drop in temperatures, leaving tourists and residents facing unusually cold weather.
Dharamshala recorded a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius, while the maximum remained around 11 degrees Celsius. The sudden change in weather prompted residents and visitors to seek warmer clothing.
Several tourists said they were unprepared for the cold. Madhav and Vishvas, who travelled to Dharamshala from Ludhiana in Punjab, said they had not expected temperatures to drop so sharply.
“We were not aware that the weather would be so cold here. We never expected such conditions. The shops are still closed, and we are shivering while waiting for them to open. We will have to buy some warm clothes, which will certainly disturb our budget,” they said.