Bandipora, April 19, 2025: Fresh snowfall blanketed the scenic Gurez Valley in Bandipora district, coating Dawar, Tulail, and Razdan Top in layers of pristine snow. The heavy snow, which began early Saturday, led to the closure of the 85-km Bandipora-Gurez road, a vital lifeline connecting the remote valley to the rest of North Kashmir, due to treacherous weather conditions.
The snowfall, concentrated in the higher reaches, particularly at Razdan Top, made the road impassable, prompting authorities to suspend all vehicular movement. “The Bandipora-Gurez road is closed until the weather improves and snow clearance is completed,” announced an official from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office in Gurez.
Dawar, the administrative hub of Gurez, and Tulail Valley reported 8-12 inches of snow, adding to the region’s winter charm but disrupting daily life. The snowfall, part of Kashmir’s Chillai Kalan period, follows a forecast by the India Meteorological Department predicting wet weather across Jammu and Kashmir due to active western disturbances. The closure of the Bandipora-Gurez road, a recurring challenge this season, has isolated Gurez, located near the Line of Control, raising concerns about access to essentials.
“It’s beautiful but tough,” said Aisha Begum, a Tulail resident. “The snow cuts us off, and we rely on the administration to keep supplies flowing.” The Border Roads Organisation is on standby to clear the road once conditions permit, with snowplows ready to tackle the accumulation at Razdan Top, a notorious bottleneck.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Shakeel-ur-Rehman, reassured residents of adequate preparations. “We’ve ensured sufficient stocks of food, fuel, and medical supplies in Gurez and Tulail to weather the closure,” he said, adding that teams are monitoring the situation closely. The administration’s proactive measures build on lessons from earlier snowfalls in November 2024 and February 2025, which similarly disrupted connectivity.
While the snowfall enhances Gurez’s allure as a winter destination, it underscores the logistical challenges of Kashmir’s remote regions. Locals and travellers are advised to heed weather updates and plan journeys cautiously. The Bandipora-Gurez road closure, though temporary, highlights the delicate balance between nature’s beauty and the practical demands of winter in the Valley.
