Snowfall cuts air, land traffic in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Snowfall in upper reaches and plains hampered air and land transport in Indian-controlled Kashmir, disrupting normal life, local officials said Monday.

The snowfall began on Sunday night and is going on Monday.

Air traffic is disrupted due to continuous snowfall and poor visibility. Three flights scheduled to take off Monday morning got cancelled, said officials at the airport in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Accumulation of snow at Jawahar tunnel has led to closure of the 294 km Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only road connecting Muslim majority areas of the region to winter capital - Jammu and Indian states.

Local train has stopped service due to snow on tracks and inter-district transport service had also been affected, local reports said.

Local officials said snow clearance had been operated on the major roads.

Avalanche warning has been issued for people inhabiting upper reaches and areas near the Line of Control. People in the snowbound areas were urged to take precautions and not to venture on steep slopes during the next 24 hours.

Kashmir has a rugged terrain. Frequent rains and heavy snowfall often trigger landslides and avalanches in this region.

The region including Srinagar city is in the grip of intense cold in recent days. Monday marks the 27th day of 40-day cold harsh spell of winter, locally called Chillai Kalan.

The Meteorological officials said rain and snow is likely to continue for the next 24 hours. Endit