Round two: In a second coming, snow promises to paralyse Galiyat

The three administrative authorities responsible for roads have yet to clear routes.

ABBOTABAD: It started at 8am; sheets of white, powdery snow settled on the slopes of the Galiyat region, making it more picturesque, and more deadly. The snowfall continued till this story was filed later in the day – measuring almost two feet (ft), according to locals and the police.

Those living at higher altitudes received at least 2.5 ft in the last ten hours. Although the winter freeze set in earlier in December, this spell comes after a 20-25 day reprieve but has already started hindering communication and traffic.

The main Abbottabad-Murree Road was already blocked, paralysing the area from Abbottabad on the western side to Murree on the east.

Vehicles could be seen standing in queues, nearly stranded, near Harnoi and Bagnotar, shared police personnel.  While it has not snowed enough yet to disturb foot traffic, cars, buses and bikes were unable to traverse most roads, including Nathiagali Malach, Nathiagali Bakot, Dungagali Sukakas, Mochidhara Jaswara, Kalabagh Sajangali, Baragali Chahar, Toheedabad Pasala,Changlagali Tajwal, Kozagali Ayubia, Nathiagali Namlimaira, and Kalabagh Kalapani roads.

Authorities which are meant to keep roads clear have not swung into action. Every year the Frontier Highway Authorities, Communication and Works department and Galiyat Development Authority give snow clearing work to private contractors. These departments are meant to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

And every year, the first thing to get cleared, and remain cleared is Abbottabad-Murree Road as it gets important traffic. Unfortunately, the link roads remain blocked for months.

According to police officials, contractors have not yet sent snow-clearing machines to remove the build-up from the last 10 hours. Residents are already feeling the pinch as it is harder for them to reach markets and workplaces as per routine.

Sardar Rafi, a resident of Jastar, shared any delay in removing snow from the roads means villagers can face food, firewood, and potable water shortages – especially if the routes remain blocked over a period of days.

When approached, an official at the Galiyat Development Authority stated contractors have been asked to move their machinery to Galiyat but that it was still “just day one of the snowfall”. However, contractors will respond soon, and make sure people have unrestricted mobility, he shared.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2014.