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| Jammu- Srinagar NH opens for vehicular movement, 3500 stranded vehicles cleared | | Doda-Kishtwar continue to remain cut off | | Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, Mar 13: After remaining blocked for three consecutive days following heavy snowfall and incessant rains, the traffic department with the help of allied departments including GREF and National Highway Authority of India finally succeeded in opening the highway and cleared over 3500 stranded vehicles trapped on 297 KM long road, but Doda and Kishtwar districts having population of over 7 lacs remained cut off from rest of the state.
SSP National Highway Dr. Haseeb Mughal said that traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was restored on Thursday afternoon and added that vehicles from Srinagar were allowed to move towards Jammu. He said that over 3500 vehicles including stranded ones were cleared. In case the weather permits, the vehicular movement from Jammu towards Srinagar will be allowed. However the traffic of Batote-Kishtwar stretch of Jammu-Kishtwar National Highway will remain closed for vehicular movement tomorrow as well. Road clearance on Batote-Kishtwar road stretch is still going on. Due to heavy landslides at Raggi Nallah and few other places, the traffic on Batote-Kishtwar stretch will only be restored by any time tomorrow," he said.
Meanwhile affected people demanded compensation for the losses caused due heavy rain and snowfall. Several people informed Early Times about various problems faced by the people of Doda and Kishtwar District in terms of acute shortage of drinking water, electricity, LPG, kerosene, ration at government run deports, vegetables and other essential commodities, beside restoration of road connectivity.
Large number of people also complained about losses to their crops, orchards and other source of livelihood. Several houses were reportedly damaged in many parts of Doda and Kishtwar. The government ordered extension of winter vacation in Doda and Kishtwar District till 16th of this month. Several public deputations also called on concerned administration and apprised them about the problems faced by the people. At Kishtwar Marwah a deputation also called on Deputy Commissioner and apprised him about 200 stranded people hailing from Marwah, Warwan and Dachhan and demanded immediate airlifting of all the stranded passengers. As per the reports Marwah valley received over 5 feet snowfall while Machail and Warwan areas of the District received over 8 feet snowfall. People Democratic Party leader Mehboob Iqbal Sheikh demanded compensation for the families whose houses and property has been damaged in Bhardwah and Bhalesa areas. In a press statement issued by PDP leader, several houses have been damaged besides fruit bearing orchards and fertile land have been badly damaged during the recent snow fall. He further said that all major roads connecting Doda, Bhaderwah, Thatri, Gandoh, Chilly, Changa , Chewari, Batyas and other villages internally have also been closed since last four days, He said Bhaderwah, Gandoh and its adjoining areas are reeling under darkness for the last three days.
He further said that shortage of essential commodities has also been reported from various affected areas. He made an appeal to concern authorities to double its efforts in restoration roads and electricity. Demanding compensation for the affected families, Mehboob Iqbal made another appeal to the government to constitute and depute high level committees to the snow hit areas for assessment of losses and to take preventive measures in view of the Avalanches warning for hilly areas of the state including Doda and Kishtwar Districts. |
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