Srinagar, April 19 — Overnight snowfall across the higher reaches of Kashmir Valley has forced the closure of the Anantnag-Kishtwar road via Sinthan Top and led to the suspension of school activities in north Kashmir’s Gurez subdivision, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The Anantnag-Kishtwar highway (NH244), which connects south Kashmir with the Chenab Valley, has been blocked due to snow accumulation along the Sinthan Pass. Officials stated the route will remain closed for two days, pending weather conditions.
“Traffic has been halted as a precaution after fresh snowfall and a forecast for more adverse weather by the MeT department,” an official from the traffic department told The Himalayan Post. “We’ll review the situation after Sunday,” the official added.
In north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, snow continued to fall in Gurez and Tulail regions, prompting authorities to suspend school operations in both tehsils. The sub-divisional administration issued formal directions in view of safety concerns posed by the ongoing weather conditions.
“Classwork for students up to 8th standard in Tehsil Tulail, and up to 5th standard in Tehsil Gurez has been suspended for the day,” said a statement from the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gurez.
The Kashmir Valley experienced consistent rain and thunderstorms through Friday night, while upper reaches including Sinthan Top and Gurez reported fresh snowfall with up to an inch of accumulation in some areas.
Officials are closely monitoring the weather and advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel in hilly areas until conditions stabilize.
