Sunday, January 15 2006 13:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: The Jammu-Srinagar national highway was closed to vehicular traffic today (Jan 15, 2006) as the entire Kashmir valley received heavy snowfall covering it with a white sheet with rains at some places triggering mudslides.

The 300-km highway was shut following snowing around the Jawahar tunnel in Qazigund area, which made the road slippery, official sources said.

No vehicle was allowed from either side of the tunnel following accumulation of snow at several places on the highway.

Heavy rains between Batote and Ramban triggered mudslides at some places blocking road traffic.

Tourists resorts Gulmarg and Pahalgam in the valley were buried under four to five feet of snow.

Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam and other places received moderate to heavy snowfall, which began last evening.

Heavy snowfall was also reported from Paddar, Marwah and Badwan in Doda district. However, the Doda-Kishtwar road was open to traffic. Snow clearing machines were pressed into service in Srinagar and other cities.