Jammu-Srinagar Highway Shut After Avalanche Hits Jawahar Tunnel; Plagued By Landslides In Ramban District

The Jammu-Srinagar highway was closed on Tuesday (22 January) after landslides and avalanche hit the road in the Jawahar tunnel area. A team has been sent on the spot to make overall assessment of the situation, The Tribune has reported.

The strategic highway had been hit by landslides at some places in Ramban district, including Digdol, Panthal, Khoni Nullah and Magarkote, traffic department officials were quoted as saying.

“There has been fresh snow in Bannihal sector. Incessant rains are continuing in other parts of the highway. This is the second consecutive day of the highway remaining closed. No vehicular movement will be allowed on the highway on Tuesday. Landslide clearance will be started only after the weather improves.” a traffic official was quoted in the report as saying.

According to the report, Jammu-Srinagar highway is of immense importance to the state and serves as the lifeline of Kashmir Valley. All the essential supplies are sent into the valley through this road.

Meanwhile in Kishtwar district, a massive avalanche occurred on Monday (21 January) evening near Pangraie area at Dacchan and damaged road connectivity.

"A massive snow avalanche has triggered around 35 km from Kishtwar last evening, but no human loss has been reported." deputy commissioner (DC) of Kishtwar Angrez Singh Rana was quoted in the report as saying.