Jammu-Srinagar highway blocked due to landslides

Srinagar, March 14 (IANS) The strategic Srinagar-Jammu national highway was closed for traffic on Thursday due to landslides at different places in the Ramban district.

“Fresh landslides have hit the highway at Dalwas, Cafeteria Morh and some other places. Clearance operation is going on. The highway is closed for traffic and travellers are advised to contact our control rooms in Jammu and Srinagar before undertaking the journey”, officials said.

The road remained open for two-way traffic on Wednesday.

All essential supplies of life are routed into the Valley through the Jammu-Srinagar highway and the temporary blockades of this highway often result in shortages of essentials in Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Srinagar-Leh, Mughal Road, Sinthan-Kishtwar road and Doda-Chamba road are still closed for traffic.

The Meteorological (MeT) Department on Thursday forecast generally dry weather in J&K till March 20.

“Generally dry weather is expected in J&K till March 20 after which another wet spell is likely to occur between March 22 and March 24”, an official of the department said.

Srinagar had 4, Gulmarg minus 4.8 and Pahalgam minus 1.3 as the minimum temperature.

Leh town in Ladakh region had minus 3, Kargil minus 4.4 and Drass minus 6.7 as the minimum temperature.

Jammu city had 13.5, Katra 8.6, Batote 2.2, Bhaderwah 3.6 and Banihal 3 as the minimum temperature.