There is an adverse weather prediction from today onwards till the next five days. Even though the government owned weather watching platforms have kind of downplayed it and given it a ‘ Yellow alert’ but at the same time certain private weather enthusiasts have warned that there could be massive snowfall in the higher reaches which can lead to suspension of road network for a few days.
It must be borne in mind that the private weather enthusiasts have unanimously agreed that the snowfall in the higher reaches could be five to six feet as well. This untimely snowfall after the harshest period of chillai kanal can wreak havoc with the almond bloom and bring down the tender branches by millions. This would mean another lean year for almond production. The highway remaining closed for another few days can also means rise in costs of essential items.
The government today declared that the rail connectivity from Baramula to Sangaldan may be thrown open from 20th February but the most important stretch from Sangaldan to Udhampur still may take a few more weeks or even months. So an all weather connectivity through train may still be a few months away. This snowfall may test government’s preparedness one more last time it appears when it comes to closure of land routes.
On snow clearing front the government did a few mock drills and is confident of clearing snow in plain areas in stipulated time. However, if the snowfall is many feet in the highlands it will put the government machinery to an undeniable test.
We hope that the downpour is moderate enough to cause any significant damage to rooftops and power supply. At the same time we trust the government’s commitment that they are upto the task and can effectively deal with this weather anomaly.
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