Fog covers Srinagar amid cold wave; Bhaderwah witnesses surge in tourist footfall after snowfall

06/01/2026

Srinagar, Jan 5: A thin layer of fog covered Srinagar on Monday morning as a cold wave continued to grip the Kashmir Valley, reducing visibility across the city. The iconic Dal Lake was shrouded in mist, and chilly weather conditions prevailed throughout the region. Despite the cold, tourists were seen exploring the city and enjoying the winter atmosphere.
Sharing her experience, a tourist said the scenic beauty of Srinagar remained captivating despite the cold. "The view is great, and we also enjoyed the Shikara ride. The food is also great. It is very cold here. We have enjoyed it a lot. Everyone should come here once."
Meanwhile, fresh snowfall in Bhaderwah, Doda district, has drawn a surge of tourists, prompting authorities to tighten security across major tourist locations. The snow-covered landscapes have become a major attraction, with arrangements made to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors amid winter conditions.
A tourist visiting Bhaderwah, Dharmendra Sharma, a resident of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, credited the arrangements made by the Indian Army for a safe and pleasant experience. "All the credit goes to the Indian army. I love you my Indian soldier. I suggest everyone come here during the new year. The Indian army is taking care of everyone. We played in the snow and enjoyed a lot," he said.
In Poonch district, heavy snowfall continued to disrupt normal movement, with snow clearance operations underway on a war footing along the Mughal Road. Machinery was deployed to remove snow and restore connectivity, as authorities worked to keep the strategic road accessible despite adverse weather conditions.
Earlier, on January 1, Jammu and Kashmir authorities had tightened security around Dal Lake to ensure the safety of residents and tourists celebrating the New Year. Police and local administration deployed additional personnel, set up security checkpoints, increased patrolling, and enhanced CCTV surveillance to monitor crowd movement and prevent any untoward incidents.
The cold wave, coupled with the snowfall in Bhaderwah, has not deterred tourism but instead highlighted the winter charm of the region, attracting visitors from across India and beyond. Meanwhile, authorities on Monday ordered the immediate suspension of all vehicular traffic on the Mughal Road following fresh snowfall at Pir Ki Gali, officials said.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, stated that the decision was taken in view of adverse weather conditions and snow accumulation at the high-altitude pass, which has rendered the road unsafe for movement."All traffic on Mughal Road is hereby stopped with immediate effect due to fresh snowfall at Pir Ki Gali. The restriction will remain in force till further notice," the SSP Traffic said.
The Mughal Road serves as a vital link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu region. The road frequently faces closures during winter months due to heavy snowfall and slippery conditions at higher reaches. Traffic authorities have advised commuters and transporters to avoid planning travel on the Mughal Road until an official clearance is issued. Further updates regarding restoration of traffic will be communicated after assessment of weather and road conditions. Meanwhile, locals in adjoining areas have been urged to remain cautious and follow advisories issued by the administration as snowfall activity continues in upper reaches.

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