Srinagar: April 27: The administration has taken the decision to halt traffic on the Mughal Road due to recent snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, citing concerns over adverse weather conditions. This closure affects the vital link between the Kashmir valley and Poonch and Rajouri districts.
A communication from the Assistant Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department in Heerpora, Shopian, underscores the Meteorological Department’s weather advisory, stating that vehicular traffic must be suspended beyond Heerpora. With more than 6 inches of snow accumulating on Peer ki Gali and ongoing snowfall in Dubjan, there’s a significant risk of slippage and rockfall along the road.
While the communication rightly emphasises the need to prioritise safety and prevent potential accidents, it raises questions about the administration’s preparedness for such weather events. The closure of Mughal Road, a crucial transportation artery, underscores the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure to adverse weather conditions.
This communication is directed to the Executive Engineer of the R&B Division in Shopian, the Assistant Executive Engineer of the Mechanical Engineering Department in Shopian/Pulwama, the Tehsildar of Shopian for information, and the SHO of the Police Station in Heerpora for cooperation.
It’s important to highlight that the Mughal Road serves as the sole link road in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha Constituency, providing essential connectivity between Anantnag and Poonch Rajouri Districts. Scheduled elections for the Anantnag Rajouri Lok Sabha Constituency are set for May 7.
Simultaneously, numerous political parties and individuals, including the BJP, have called for the postponement of elections in this constituency. The Election Commission has also requested a response from the administration and the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir on this matter.
