The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) reopened late Sunday after a massive landslide blocked the road at Gangroo in the Banihal area of Ramban district for over 12 hours. The landslide, which occurred late Saturday evening, initially allowed some traffic early Sunday but forced a complete closure as debris piled up.
Road Clearance and Traffic Advisory
Heavy machinery and personnel were deployed to clear the debris. A Traffic Police official stated, “The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains closed for vehicular movement as road clearance work is underway at Gangroo, Banihal, to remove debris caused by the massive landslide. Road clearance work is also in progress at Dewal in Udhampur district.” Commuters were advised to avoid travel until the highway is declared safe due to the risk of fresh landslides and shooting stones. Some vehicles stranded near the site were allowed to pass after a section was cleared.
Amarnath Yatra Continues on Alternate Route
Meanwhile, the 19th batch of nearly 4,500 Amarnath pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu early Sunday in a convoy of 166 vehicles under tight security, heading to the Baltal base camp in Kashmir. In a statement, the government announced that the yatra would be diverted from the Pahalgam route due to repair and maintenance work required after recent rains. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said, “Due to the recent rains, urgent repair and maintenance works are required to be carried out on the Pahalgam axis. The Yatra shall continue through the Baltal axis, for which adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.” He appealed to pilgrims to cooperate and follow advisories for safety.
Weather Warning for Flashfloods and Landslides
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has forecast another spell of rain starting July 27. “A spell of rain and thundershowers is likely at many places from afternoon to evening on July 27, followed by improvement in weather thereafter,” the advisory stated. Between July 28 and 31, Jammu and Kashmir is expected to experience intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershowers, with heavy rainfall possible in a few districts of Jammu division during late-night hours, peaking on July 29 and 30. Another rain spell is likely on August 1 and 2. The Met Centre warned of possible flashfloods, landslides, and mudslides at vulnerable locations over the next five days and advised the public, tourists, and transporters to follow the advisory.
