TAUSEEF AHMAD
BANDIPORA, Dec 20: In view of an adverse weather forecast predicting heavy snowfall in the upper reaches, authorities on Saturday suspended all vehicular movement on the strategically vital 83-kilometre Bandipora–Gurez road as a precautionary measure, officials said.
An order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gurez, Mukhtar Ahmad Ahanger (JKAS), and accessed by Kashmir Despatch, stated that traffic movement in Sub-Division Gurez has been halted due to prevailing and anticipated weather conditions. The restriction came into force from 4:00 pm on Friday and will remain effective until further orders.
As per the directive, the movement of all types of vehicles between Bandipora and Gurez has been completely barred in both directions beyond the stipulated cut-off time. The order further instructs the police to ensure that no vehicle is allowed to cross designated checkpoints during the period of restriction.
To ensure strict compliance, the Station House Officers of Police Stations Gurez and Pethkoot, along with the In-Charge of Police Post Izmarg, have been entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing the suspension on ground. The district administration has also formally informed the traffic police, Army units, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and other concerned departments to extend coordination and facilitate the smooth implementation of the order.
Officials from the district administration said the decision was taken purely in the interest of public safety, as the Gurez sector is highly vulnerable to sudden weather fluctuations, especially during winter months. Heavy snowfall, icy road conditions, landslides, and poor visibility often make travel on the mountainous stretch extremely risky.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, assured that the administration has completed all necessary winter preparedness measures in the remote border valley. Speaking to Kashmir Despatch, she said that sufficient essential winter stock has already been dumped in the Gurez valley, ensuring that residents do not face shortages during prolonged isolation.
“The administration is fully prepared to tackle any winter-related challenges. All generators have been repaired and made functional, and adequate fuel has also been stocked to meet power requirements during the winter months,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
It is pertinent to mention that Gurez valley remains cut off from the rest of Kashmir for several months every year due to heavy snowfall and closure of the Bandipora–Gurez road, which serves as the sole surface link to the region.
Authorities have urged residents and travellers to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel as weather conditions in the area continue to remain unpredictable.
