Jammu & Kashmir: 232 Pregnant Women Hospitalized as Heavy Snowfall Hits, IAS Athar Aamir Khan Explains Precautionary Measures

Heavy snowfall began Friday morning in the Kashmir Valley and Pir Panjal regions of Jammu & Kashmir, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting that the ongoing Western Disturbance will continue to affect the region’s weather patterns for almost a week.

In response, the administration has stepped up preparations across the districts. In a significant move, District Deputy Commissioner of Kulgam, IAS Athar Aamir Khan, ensured the hospitalization of 232 pregnant women expecting deliveries this week. This precautionary step aims to guarantee uninterrupted medical care amid extreme cold and heavy snow.

Snow Clearance Preparations

A day before, IAS Khan visited the Mechanical Field Sub-Division at Chawalgam, Kulgam, to review the availability of machinery and the department’s readiness for snow removal. He instructed officials to ensure timely and smooth operations for clearing snow across the district.

Widespread Snowfall and Weather Advisory

Jammu and Kashmir have experienced unusually dry winters this month, with a 96% deficit in rainfall leading to forest fires and drying of rivers and streams. According to IMD Srinagar Director Mukhtar Ahmed, from Friday morning, southern Kashmir has received moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall, while northern Kashmir is also expected to experience moderate to heavy snowfall.

The IMD has warned that the weather conditions may disrupt traffic and cause landslides on key highways, including the Srinagar-Leh Highway, Mughal Road (connecting the Kashmir Valley with Poonch), and Razdan Pass (linking Bandipora to the Line of Control). Flights have also been affected, and snowfall of 2–3 feet is expected in high-altitude areas, including Zojila Pass, Gulmarg, and Kupwara.

Advisory to Farmers and Travelers

Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural activities until January 28 due to the anticipated impact of another Western Disturbance starting January 26. The Jammu & Kashmir Traffic Department has issued an advisory urging travelers to check road conditions in Srinagar, Ramban, and Jammu before starting their journey and to use the Jammu-Srinagar NH only during daytime, avoiding night travel due to the risk of landslides and falling rocks.