M A I N   N E W S

Jammu-Srinagar road reopened
Heavy snowfall in Kashmir valley

Srinagar, January 17
Heavy snowfall continued in many parts of Kashmir valley triggering avalanches even as one-way traffic was restored on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, which remained closed for the past two days, official sources said today.

Airlink between Kashmir and the rest of the country was also resumed today with Indian Airlines flights operating several hours behind schedule, they said.

The 300-km Srinagar-Jammu highway, which was closed for traffic on Tuesday after it was blocked by avalanches owing to heavy snowfall, was reopened after the road was cleared by the Border Roads Organisation, the sources said.

Vehicles stranded at many points of the highway have been permitted to proceed to their destinations, they said.

Intermittent snowfall continued in Srinagar and other parts of the valley for the third day today, even as high altitude mountain ranges witnessed the same for the sixth consecutive day bringing cheer to farmers and fruit growers who expect a bumper crop this season.

SHIMLA: Most parts of Himachal reeled under cold wave conditions as higher reaches in the tribal belt and high mountain passes had another spell of snowfall while the lower hills were lashed by strong icy winds accompanied by intermittent rain and sleet.

The region had no respite from the cold wave as temperature remained below freezing point in higher hills and lower areas of Bilaspur, Mandi, Kulu and Kangra were lashed by rain and sleet.

People in the high altitude tribal areas had been warned against avalanche and advised to stay indoors. Life in the valleys of Lahaul, Spiti and Pangi was disrupted due to heavy snow. PTI