NH closed, authorities say clearance work going on

SRINAGAR: The only surface connecting Kashmir to the outside world was shut following the landslide at the Makerkote area overnight.

The landslide has blocked the Jammu-Srinagar highway, an official said.

A senior police officer told that the clearance work was going on and if there were no fresh landslides or shooting stones, the thoroughfare would be restored for traffic in the next hour or so.

Early in the morning, the traffic department urged people not to travel on the highway till the clearance work was completed. The highway remained closed for the better part of the day on Saturday following landslides at Cafeteria Morh, Ramban and a massive rock slide at Samroli.
Later men and machinery were employed and massive rock blasted. The debris was cleared to restore the traffic on the strategic highway.

Meanwhile, Mughal Road, connecting Shopian with Poonch and Rajouri districts, remained closed for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation at Peer Ki Gali. Also, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road remained shut for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation on Zoji la axis and has been closed till further orders. Kishtwar-Sinthan road also remained closed in view of snow accumulation, the traffic department official said. (GNS)