22 Vehicles with Tourists, Passengers evacuated after Snow, Landslides block Bandipora–Gurez Road

Wahid Rafiqi

Bandipora, March 30: The District Administration Bandipora, in close coordination with the Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), successfully facilitated the evacuation of stranded vehicles and tourists from Gurez Valley following the closure of the Bandipora–Gurez Road due to heavy snowfall and landslides.As many as 22 vehicles carrying tourists and passengers were stranded at multiple locations after sudden snow accumulation, mudslides, and falling rocks blocked the road, particularly near Razdan Top.

The situation was further aggravated by strong winds and stormy weather conditions, posing significant challenges to rescue operations. Upon receiving SOS messages from stranded tourists, the District Administration acted swiftly.Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, closely monitored the evacuation process and issued necessary directions to all concerned departments to ensure the safety of the stranded passengers.

Responding promptly, MED and BRO teams, along with Junior Engineer Zubair Ahmad, launched a brave and timely operation under extremely challenging conditions.The teams worked continuously to clear snow and debris, restoring connectivity and enabling the safe passage of stranded vehicles.All stranded tourists were safely evacuated, and necessary assistance, including medical aid, was provided on the spot.The tourists and passengers appreciated the tireless efforts of the District Administration and all stakeholders involved in the operation, whose swift action averted any major mishap.Authorities have advised travelers not to ply on the Bandipora–Gurez Road until further orders and to follow official advisories, avoiding unnecessary movement during adverse weather conditions.

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