Fresh Snow Blankets Gulmarg, Highway Closed for 2nd Day

Snowfall brought joy to the remote village, as young people celebrated the winter weather by playing in the snow. The picturesque transformation of the mountains has attracted visitors from all over the country, giving impetus to local tourism.

Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) remained closed for the second consecutive day due to slippery road conditions caused by continuous snowfall.

Incessant snowfall for the second consecutive night paralyzed normal life in Jammu state’s famous hill resorts (Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar and Batote) and Banihal, Gool and other areas on Saturday.

Due to the blockage of NH44 and NH244, empty markets and lack of customers, many shopkeepers in Ramban district’s Batote market were forced to keep their shops closed for the second consecutive day.

While tourists, especially snow lovers who could not reach Patnitop due to road closure, enjoyed the snow in accessible areas, children also played various snow games.

However, the long-awaited snowfall also caused disruptions in electricity and water supplies, traffic movements and telecommunications in many regions.

The Ramban district administration seemed unprepared for the unexpected heavy snowfall as Jammu Power Development Corporation Ltd (JPDCL) and Jal Shakti Vibhag were found to be short of road clearing machines and personnel.

Earlier this week, the holy temple of Vaishno Devi in ​​Reasi district witnessed its first snowfall of the season on Thursday, covering the Trikuta Hills in a pristine white blanket and transforming the pilgrimage route into a magnificent winter spectacle.

Jammu and Kashmir’s picturesque Bhaderwah Valley also received its first snowfall of the season on Friday morning after a long wait by residents. The cold weather became even more severe as the roads and streets were covered with snow.

Bhaderwah Police and district administration have released helpline numbers and advised people to be careful, especially while traveling to high places. Heavy snowfall was also experienced in the hill resort town of Batote.

The famous hill resorts of Jammu state – Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar and Batote – received the first snowfall of the season, ending the prolonged drought and bringing joy to those dependent on tourism, including hoteliers, taxi drivers, shopkeepers, photographers and vendors.