LEEPA VALLEY (Kashmir English): The Reshian-Leepa road has been blocked due to multiple glacier collapses following a night of intermittent rain and snowfall. The adverse weather, which continued throughout the night, has now subsided, but the road remains impassable, leaving long queues of vehicles stranded on both sides.
The authorities started clearance work at 8am using heavy equipment to rebuild traffic conditions as soon as possible. Operation teams clear roads with a wheel loader moving towards Leepa and a chain dozer working Mian Wala Matha at kilometre 10 onward to Midway while a chain excavator operates from Midway to Leepa.
The Highways Department currently works to clear the road because they want to achieve this task as fast as possible. The extensive blockage together with challenging topography suggests that normal traffic operations will need prolonged time before they can resume. The situation demands that people postpone all journeys that are not essential.
Qaziabad residents along with tourists are worried about the Reshian-Leepa roadway becoming blocked often during winter because glacier collapses and heavy snowfalls create dangerous road conditions. The road blockage creates two major disruptions because it hinders both regular commuters’ travel and interrupts essential good delivery to the valley.
Emergency services remain on alert, and authorities have advised caution to those already on the road. Travellers stuck in the area have been asked to remain patient while the clearance work is completed.
This is not the first time the Reshian-Leepa road has faced disruptions due to severe weather conditions. Severe snowstorms together with glacial movement have repeatedly led to roadblocks thus showing the necessity to develop permanent tactical solutions involving better infrastructure and prompt preventive actions.
The government’s current priority centres on restoring access through the road since it demands public awareness about ongoing developments before travellers make decisions about their travel itineraries.
