Snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir affects traffic

Snowfall in higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir has slowed down traffic and hit visibility on the arterial Mughal Road that connects the valley with rest of the country.

Snowfall in Pir ki Gali in Rajouri district dropped temperatures as the Indian Meteorological Department had predicted.

Residents are worried that the continuous snowfall will block the Mughal road, which will affect businesses and tourist movement.

"The government should see to it that the road remains open throughout the year. If the road is open, it will help local businessmen. Normally, there is light to moderate snowfall regularly in this area. Vehicle movement on this road has reduced since people fear that with snowfall they might get stuck on the road," said a local resident, Inam.

The road brings Poonch and Rajouri district in the state closer to the summer capital, Srinagar in Kashmir valley.

The Mughal road passes over Pir Panjal Mountain range, at an altitude of 11,500 ft.

Meanwhile, a tourist Mohammed Akram said the administration should take steps to clear roads so that even tourists can enjoy the beauty of the valley.

"This road should be open as it will help the local people and also it will give tourists an opportunity to see heaven on earth," said Akram.