Fri Dec 27 20:30:37 UTC 2024: ## Kashmir Valley Paralyzed by Heavy Snowfall, Tourists Thrilled
**Srinagar, December 28, 2024** – The Kashmir Valley experienced its first significant snowfall of the season on Friday, December 27th, 2024, causing widespread disruption and prompting authorities to issue an alert. Heavy snowfall across south, north, and central Kashmir, including Srinagar, led to the cancellation of all Kashmir University examinations scheduled for Saturday and stranded hundreds of vehicles on major highways.
The Srinagar-Jammu national highway, a crucial link to the Jammu region, saw approximately 2000 vehicles stranded between the tunnel and Qazigund due to treacherous road conditions. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who traveled from Jammu to Srinagar, described the highway conditions as “quite treacherous” and confirmed efforts are underway to clear the stranded vehicles, prioritizing heavy vehicles. Light vehicles carrying essential goods, passengers, and tourists equipped with anti-skid chains are being allowed through. Heavy vehicles and passenger buses have been barred from traveling beyond Tangmarg in Baramulla district to prevent accidents.
The snowfall, while disruptive, also brought joy to tourists, who flocked to Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg to enjoy the picturesque scenery. However, the closure of several mountain passes, including Srinagar-Leh, Srinagar-Tangdhar, and Srinagar-Gurez, has isolated the valley from the outside world. Authorities have established helplines for tourists needing assistance. Srinagar has deployed snow clearance machinery and dewatering pumps to manage the situation.
The meteorological department predicts lighter snowfall in the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal range on December 28th, with snowfall expected to decrease in south and central Kashmir by nightfall. The university has postponed its examinations and will announce new dates shortly.
First Piper 