Zaffer Iqbal
Uri, Jan 24 : Heavy snowfall across Uri and Boniyar subdivisions has disrupted normal life and caused damage to residential structures, religious places, educational institutions, and horticulture in several areas.
Official sources told GNS at least 16 residential houses, along with several tin sheds and cowsheds, were damaged due to the snowfall. The affected villages include Garkote, Nambla, Chrunda, Nilosa, Hilerpirnian, Bagna Norkha, Mohura, Batangi, and Bijhama, leaving several families distressed amid severe winter conditions.
Reports also said that extensive damage was caused to fruit-bearing trees, dealing a major setback to local farmers and horticulturists at a crucial stage of the season.
In separate incidents, a walnut tree fell on a mosque in Nawarunda village of Uri, causing damage to the structure. Sun Light Model School in Nambla village also suffered damage due to the heavy snowfall.
Essential services have remained severely affected since Friday. Power and water supply have been disrupted in many localities following damage to the 132 KV line, 33 KV lines, 11 KV lines, and other high-tension networks. Residents said electricity has remained snapped since Friday evening, creating serious difficulties, particularly for patients dependent on oxygen support.
Road connectivity has also been affected, with several areas still cut off due to snow accumulation and landslides. Roads in Tilawari, Thajal, Chrunda, Batgra, Saidpora, Balkote Hathlanga, Shura, Gowalata, Chakra Isham, Dardkote, Nawarunda, Gohallan, Babagail, Dudran, Bernate, Chotali, Gagirhill, and Slasan remain closed. The Uri–Baramulla National Highway was blocked again at Bandi Uri for several hours due to landslides before being cleared by road maintenance agencies.
Residents alleged that snow clearance in some villages has been inadequate and urged authorities to deploy machinery effectively. They also appealed for immediate relief and faster restoration of essential services.
Meanwhile, authorities said that as per preliminary reports, 16 houses and several sheds have been damaged in Uri subdivision, though the number may increase as assessments continue. Officials said field agencies are on the job and a detailed damage report is being compiled.
MLA Dr Sajjad Shafi, visited several health centres to assess patient conditions and reviewed the overall situation. He also chaired a meeting with officials and directed them to ensure the earliest possible restoration of power, water supply, and road connectivity. (GNS)
