Shopian, Dec 22: Authorities on Monday cleared snow accumulated on the Peer ki Gali mountain pass from the Shopian side, restoring partial access to the high-altitude route after fresh snowfall in the Pir Panjal range.
Officials said teams of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were pressed into service early in the day to remove snow and ensure the road remains motorable.
Peer ki Gali, located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet on the historic Mughal Road, received between five and seven inches of fresh snow over the past 24 hours following a spell of winter precipitation in south Kashmir and adjoining areas.
The snowfall had temporarily disrupted vehicular movement and raised concerns for commuters, particularly for students and traders, who rely on the route for inter-district travel between Shopian in south Kashmir and Rajouri-Poonch in the Jammu region.
An official said snow-clearing machinery, including snow ploughs and dozers, was deployed to clear the roadway from the Shopian side, traditionally considered more vulnerable to early winter closures due to steep gradients and frequent avalanches.
“The snow clearance operation was carried out to keep the heritage pass accessible and to prevent prolonged disruption if weather conditions worsen in the coming days,” the official said.
The Mughal Road, an alternative to the Jammu–Srinagar national highway, holds both strategic and economic importance, especially during periods when the main highway faces closures due to landslides or snowfall.
Residents welcomed the clearance work but urged authorities to maintain regular snow removal operations during the winter months.
“The BRO officials quickly started the snow clearance operation. We hope they will work at the same pace,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident.
Meteorological officials have forecast the possibility of further precipitation in higher reaches, prompting authorities to remain on alert and keep road maintenance teams on standby to ensure safety and connectivity.