Srinagar, Jan 9 : Normal life in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley was affected following fresh snowfall on Saturday.
Although authorities cleared the main roads, a white layer of snow was formed on streets, causing treacherous conditions in Srinagar and elsewhere. However, the driving difficulties eased late in the afternoon when the sun was out.
Reports said that there was very little movement of vehicles across the Srinagar and other areas of the Valley in the morning following the fresh snowfall. However, the movement increased significantly as the day progressed.
The main road leading to the Srinagar International Airport witnessed heavy traffic jam on Saturday, with drivers finding it very difficult to navigate due to snowfall. Massive amount of snow was accumulated on both sides of the road leading to the airport.
Meanwhile, authorities of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, under flak from various quarters for a lackadaisical response to major snowfall, finally carried out snow clearance of many lanes and by-lanes in many parts of Srinagar. Many residents expressed satisfaction over the clearance of the snow after six days of snowfall confined them to houses.
“It’s better late than never. Having endured all the difficulties for several days, we are still thankful to Mayor Junaid Azim Mattoo, Commissioner SMC Gazanfar Ali, local councilor Nazir Ahmad, Ward Officer Ghulam Hassan and field staff headed by Javaid Sheikh and Ghulam Qadir for clearing our lanes after remaining clogged up,” residents of Naribal Amda Kadal Lal Bazar said.
Reports about SMC clearing lanes and by-lanes were received from various parts of the city Tengpora,, Zoonimar, Rathpora and Wanganpora, Eidgah, Chanapora, Natipora and other areas.
Taking to Twitter, the Mayor said that he along with Commissioner SMC also supervised night operations at Lal Chowk and Karan Nagar market after visiting several areas. “Snow is being lifted to be relieved into Jehlum to ease out traffic issues and facilitate resumption of economic activities in markets”.
