Fresh snowfall deepens crisis in Ramban, thousands cut off for 5th day

Banihal, Jan 27: Fresh snowfall across Ramban district on Tuesday deepened the ongoing crisis, leaving thousands of residents without electricity and road connectivity for the fifth consecutive day as restoration efforts were once again stalled by harsh weather conditions.

Locals said that from the Thursday strong winds followed by heavy snowfall on Friday have severely disrupted normal life in large parts of the district, including Banihal, Khari, Mahoo–Mangit, Ramsoo, Neel, Ramban town, Pogal–Paristan, Alinbass, Hochak, Sumber, Vernal, Sanasar, Rajgarh, and several areas of sub-divisions Gool, Sangaldan and Ind.

They said that the Power supply and road networks in dozens of villages of district Ramban have been badly affected, leaving people stranded and struggling to meet basic needs.

Although the district administration, along with the sub-divisional administrations of Banihal, Ramsoo and Gool, had initiated restoration work to clear roads and revive electricity at the tehsil level, fresh snowfall since Tuesday morning has once again stalled these efforts. Officials indicated that it may now take several more days to restore road access and power supply in far-flung and hilly areas.

Residents, however, have expressed strong resentment, alleging that despite repeated assurances by the administration, electricity and road connectivity remain unrestored even after five days in many localities. Areas such as Banihal, Khari, Sumber, Ramsu, Neel, Ukhral, Pogal–Paristan, Alinbas, Hochak, Senabati and Sanasar continue to remain cut off, they said.

The prolonged disruption has severely impacted daily life, with people facing acute difficulties due to the lack of electricity, blocked roads and limited access to essential services.

Locals have urged the authorities to intensify restoration efforts and ensure immediate relief to the affected population amid the continuing spell of harsh winter weather.