Kargil, Jan 18: Fresh snowfall across parts of Kargil district since Friday has disrupted normal traffic movement along the Zojila axis, particularly in the higher reaches of Drass, as slippery road conditions and low visibility posed risks to commuters on Saturday.
Officials said vehicular movement near Zojila Pass was regulated as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. Snow accumulation on the road surface, coupled with continuous snowfall, resulted in slow movement of vehicles and brief halts at vulnerable stretches.
The Meteorological Department reported that snowfall was continuing at Zojila, while most other parts of Ladakh remained under generally cloudy skies. According to the latest forecast, light snowfall is likely over some high-altitude passes and peaks in the coming days. The department has further predicted moderate to heavy snowfall at several places in Kargil and Zanskar towards the later part of the month.
The weather office has cautioned that adverse conditions may lead to the temporary closure of Zojila Pass and has advised travellers and transporters to remain updated with official weather and traffic advisories before planning journeys along the route.
Amid the challenging conditions, the Ladakh Police remained on high alert and responded promptly to emergencies. On Friday, personnel from Police Post Minamarg ensured the safe passage of an ambulance carrying a patient through Zojila despite heavy snowfall and near-zero visibility.
In another incident, teams from Police Station Drass, led by the Station House Officer, assisted several vehicles that had skidded off the road due to icy conditions. Timely intervention helped avert mishaps and allowed traffic to resume after brief disruptions.
Meanwhile, amid fresh snowfall and worsening road conditions, Ladakh Police on Saturday stepped up safety enforcement on the Zojila axis to prevent accidents and ensure the safe movement of vehicles. The road stretch from Drass towards Zojila Pass turned slippery and icy following continuous snowfall, prompting authorities to make the use of anti-skid chains mandatory for all vehicles.
Station House Officer (SHO) Drass, Mohammad Abdullah, along with his team, remained deployed on the route throughout the day to monitor traffic and assist commuters. Police personnel were seen stopping vehicles at vulnerable points and checking compliance with safety instructions.
Many drivers, caught off guard by the sudden deterioration in weather, were provided on-the-spot assistance. Police personnel helped motorists fix anti-skid chains on their vehicles, enabling them to proceed safely through the snowbound stretch.
Vehicles found without anti-skid chains were not allowed to move further towards the pass. Traffic rules were enforced strictly, and drivers were guided to meet safety requirements before being permitted to continue their journey.
Officials said the prompt measures helped prevent possible accidents and ensured controlled movement of traffic despite harsh weather conditions. The visible presence of police personnel also reassured stranded and anxious travellers navigating the difficult terrain.
Police authorities have once again urged commuters to avoid non-essential travel during snowfall, strictly follow official advisories, use anti-skid chains on snow-bound roads, and cooperate with police on duty for their own safety and that of others. The overall situation is being closely monitored by the district administration, the Meteorological Department, and the police in view of the ongoing winter spell.
