Bhaderwah Valley Experiences Fresh Snowfall, Disrupting Daily Life
Fresh snowfall in the picturesque Bhaderwah Valley on Sunday brought a sudden halt to daily activities, following three days of sunshine. The unexpected weather change led to a sharp drop in temperatures and significant traffic disruptions, impacting residents and travelers alike.
Commuters and Daily Wage Earners Bear the Brunt
The sudden snowfall affected commuters and daily wage earners the most, as roads became slippery and unsafe for travel. Authorities quickly responded by issuing an advisory to ensure public safety.
Authorities Issue Safety Advisory
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bhaderwah, Sunil Kumar Butyal, emphasized the need for caution. "The authorities have issued an advisory. We request that all Bhaderwah residents stay in their homes unless it's an emergency and avoid driving unless necessary, as roads are slippery due to snowfall," he stated.
Butyal also highlighted ongoing efforts to restore essential services, particularly the electricity supply, which had been disrupted by the snowfall. "Our people are currently working to restore the disrupted power supply. People should use heating appliances and wood with caution to avoid fire and other incidents," he added.
Border Roads Organisation Conducts High-Altitude Rescue Operation
Earlier, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) executed a critical rescue and road restoration operation at Jammu and Kashmir's Chatergala Pass, situated at an altitude of 10,500 feet on the Bhaderwah-Chatergala axis. This operation was necessitated by heavy snowfall that had severed connectivity in the area.
The rescue and clearance work was undertaken by the 118 Road Construction Company of the 35 Border Roads Task Force under Project Sampark of the BRO. According to the BRO, the snow-clearance operation began at 0630 hours on January 24 and continued for nearly 40 hours.
Successful Evacuation and Restoration Efforts
The BRO managed to clear approximately 38 kilometers of road buried under 5-6 feet of snow. By 7:30 pm on January 25, the route was reopened, enabling the safe evacuation of 40 troops of 4 Rashtriya Rifles along with their weapons and stores, as well as 20 stranded civilians.
The mission concluded successfully without any casualties. "The rescue mission was completed by 02:30 am on 26 January 2026 with zero casualties, highlighting the professionalism and dedication of BRO personnel working under extreme winter conditions. The operation was executed in close coordination with the Indian Army, restoring critical connectivity in the region," the BRO reported.
Impact on Local Community and Essential Services
The fresh snowfall has not only disrupted traffic but also posed challenges for essential services. Residents are advised to:
- Remain indoors unless absolutely necessary
- Avoid non-essential travel due to slippery road conditions
- Exercise caution while using heating appliances to prevent fire hazards
As authorities continue to work on restoring normalcy, the community remains resilient in the face of these weather-induced challenges.
