KARGIL/LEH: Authorities have closed the Srinagar-Leh Highway for vehicular movement due to snow accumulation at Baltal in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal District, as well on Zojila Axis.
The Border Roads Organisation, which develops and maintains road networks in border areas, also shared a video of the fresh snowfall.
Though the traffic authorities had given a green signal for vehicular movement for Sunday, the overnight snow accumulation led to closure of the vital highway.
On Sunday night, a traffic advisory said that the highway will remain closed on Monday as well.
Meanwhile, in view of inclement weather conditions predicted, Traffic Police Ladakh has issued a traffic advisory for February 18 to February 20, 2024 in all the snowbound terrains and high altitude routes of Ladakh union territory.
According to the advisory issued by the Ladakh Traffic Police, “In view of inclement weather conditions predicted due to an active Western Disturbance that is likely to affect the Kargil and Leh Districts from 18.02.2024 to 20.02.2024 the following traffic advisory is issued for the information of the general public in all the snowbound terrains and high altitude routes of U.T-Ladakh.”
It said: To ensure the safety of yourself and your fellow passengers, please adhere to the following precautionary measures:
“Before planning your journey, please confirm the updated road status to avoid any inconvenience. Equip your vehicle with anti-skid chains when traveling on all routes and passes. Maintain a minimum trailing distance of 50 meters between vehicles to avoid collisions and safely navigate avalanche-prone zones. If your vehicle starts to skid, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, ease off the accelerator to regain traction. Keep your vehicle’s headlights on while driving to enhance visibility.
“Carry an emergency snow kit in your vehicle, including items such as anti-skid chains, a snow shovel, sandbags, and a pickaxe, in case your vehicle gets stuck. Ensure that only the permitted number of passengers is allowed to board taxis or private vehicles. Avoid overcrowding in the case of public transport.
“All vehicles should be mechanically fit for plying on roads. In case people coming to Leh/ Kargil towns, shall keep their vehicles at designated parking places.
“Strict action will be taken under the law in the case of overloading/ overcrowding of buses/ taxies. Stay updated with weather advisories and traffic advisories issued by the Meteorological Department and Traffic Police Department,” said the advisory.
