Authorities step up snow clearance in Shopian

Shopian, Jan 28: A fresh spell of snowfall has buried major and interior roads under thick layers of snow in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, prompting the authorities to press men and machinery into service to restore connectivity.

Snow clearance operations have been underway across the district for the past several days, with priority being given to arterial roads, hospital routes and other essential service corridors.

Officials said snow has been cleared from all key roads, although continuous snowfall in some areas posed challenges to the operation.

“Persistent snowfall made clearance difficult at certain locations, particularly in higher reaches,” an official said, adding that the process is continuing at full pace with all available resources deployed.

Road-clearing teams are now focusing on interior and link roads, especially in higher-altitude areas where snowfall remained intense.

Officials further said that most essential services disrupted by the snowfall have been restored. “Electricity supply has been restored, and the majority of water supply schemes are operational again,” they said.

Despite the efforts, residents reported difficulties in commuting due to slippery and snow-covered roads. “It has become very difficult to drive on these roads,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, a local commuter.

Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Shopian, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, said snow clearance operations took time due to unprecedented snowfall and limited availability of machinery.

“I am stationed at the district headquarters and personally supervising the snow clearance operations,” Kullay told Greater Kashmir, adding that roads in a few far-flung areas were yet to be cleared. “Work to open these roads is going on at full throttle,” he said.

Meanwhile, Meteorological Department officials said the prevailing weather system is expected to weaken, with gradual improvement likely from January 29.

The district administration said it is closely monitoring the situation and urged residents, particularly those in snow-bound and avalanche-prone areas, to exercise caution and strictly follow official advisories.