Fresh Snowfall Alert for Gulmarg, Heavy Vehicles Barred on Key Roads

Baramulla, Jan 20 : The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gulmarg on Tuesday issued a fresh weather advisory, warning of successive western disturbances likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir, including Gulmarg and adjoining areas of Baramulla district, over the coming days.
Based on inputs from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar, the advisory said an intense western disturbance is expected between January 22 and January 24, followed by another spell from the night of January 26 to the forenoon of January 28. The region is likely to witness widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall, with heavy precipitation at isolated places.
Officials said the main spell of activity is expected on January 23 and January 27, particularly across the Kashmir Valley, including the Gulmarg sub-division of Tangmarg.
In view of the forecast, residents of Gulmarg sub-division—especially those living in vulnerable areas, upper reaches, hilly slopes and avalanche-prone zones—have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and refrain from venturing into high-altitude areas until weather conditions improve.
The advisory strictly prohibits the movement of heavy motor vehicles, including buses and trucks, as well as vehicles not fitted with anti-skid chains, on the Tangmarg–Gulmarg and Tangmarg–Babareshi roads in both directions until further orders.
Tehsildar Tangmarg, SHO Police Station Tangmarg, DO Police Post Babareshi and officials deployed at various traffic checkpoints have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the advisory. Vehicle owners, drivers, transporters and tourists have been urged to comply with the instructions to avoid accidents, traffic congestion and inconvenience.
Meanwhile, all concerned departments—including Revenue, Health, Police, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, MED, PHE, R&B, PMGSY and KPDCL—have been directed to remain on high alert, with men and machinery kept ready for snow clearance and emergency response.