Winter vacation for Gurez schools extended till March 8

Bandipora, Feb 28 : Winter vacation for all schools in the Gurez Valley of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has been extended till March 8, officials said on Friday.

The decision comes in wake of heavy snowfall, and prevailing weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir.

“Due to severe weather, movement of students and school staff has been disrupted. The decision to extend winter vacation has been taken for the wellbeing and safety of students and staff,” an official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer.

He said that heads of all institutions within the subdivision have been directed to ensure compliance with the extended winter vacation schedule—(KNO)

National Child Development Council Emphasizes Health and Well-being in Core Committee Meeting

Srinagar, Feb 26: The National Child Development Council (NCDC) met its core committee for its latest meeting, during which the theme of health and well-being was prominent on the agenda. Members passed a resolution urging fundamental changes to make people of all generations, and especially the younger generation, return to healthy ways of living.

The resolution called for the reduction of meat intake for the purpose of encouraging a balanced diet and advocated for the practice of not taking junk food, which has lately gained popularity with the youth. The move aligns with continuing efforts to push the health and lifestyle agenda according to the Prime Minister.

Apart from promoting a healthier diet, NCDC members also expressed alarm at the rising problem of obesity, not only among children but also in all age groups. The committee highlighted that one of the main causes of ill health is the inactive lifestyle most people, particularly the younger generation, have embraced. One of the members said that young people tend not to have proper discipline when it comes to diet and sleeping patterns, with them sleeping late at night and taking unhealthy foods.

One council member Shakkila Abdul Wahab, recalled her own situation, saying sitting for extended periods due to working had caused an increase in her own weight. She laid stress on physical exercise, diet, and stress management and motivated families to include healthier foods by avoiding junk foods and fried foods. She also stressed the contribution of physical exercise in having a balanced lifestyle by suggesting easy walks and the avoidance of long periods of sitting.

Another important point that was discussed was the necessity to “unlearn” bad eating habits, especially the excessive consumption of fried foods and sugary drinks. The committee recommended that schools implement days for consuming fruits or vegetables, in order to instill healthier eating habits among children.

NCDC’s committee also spoke about the role of mental health and the need to keep stress low and have a good attitude. They suggested that greater importance should be given to exercise, yoga, and other well-being-promoting activities, as well as healthy eating.

Looking at an alarming trend, members of the committee said even young adults at the age of 28 are suffering from illnesses like heart attacks because of their lifestyle, and one member related a recent case of a young working professional who had severe chest pains after long hours of sitting while working at home.

Traffic Advisory for Jammu & Kashmir: Road Closures and Travel Guidelines (March 1, 2025)

The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu & Kashmir, has issued an important travel advisory for March 1, 2025, regarding the status of major highways and roads in the region. Several routes remain closed due to adverse weather conditions, landslides, and shooting stones. Commuters are advised to check the latest updates before planning their journey.

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44)

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains closed at multiple points, including Hingni, Gangroo, Kishtwari Pather, Mom Passi, and Mehar due to shooting stones, and at Cafeteria and Dalwas due to mudslides. Restoration work is ongoing, but travelers are advised to avoid this route until further notice. A decision on reopening will be made after assessing road conditions and receiving clearance from maintenance agencies.

Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag National Highway (NH-244)

The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road is closed for vehicular movement, as per the advisory issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kokernag, under endstt. no. SDM/KNG/2024-25/3139-45 dated 16-01-2025.

Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari Road (SSG Road)

The SSG Road remains closed due to heavy snow accumulation. Travelers should avoid this route until further updates are provided.

Mughal Road

Mughal Road is closed for traffic, following the District Magistrate Poonch’s order (endstt. no. DMP/JC/7273-92 dated 18-01-2025), due to snow accumulation.

Bhaderwah-Chamba Road

The Bhaderwah-Chamba Road is still closed due to snow accumulation, making travel impossible at this time.

Travel Advisory

Commuters are strongly advised to confirm the status of roads before embarking on their journey. Travelers can contact the following traffic control units for real-time updates:

• Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
• Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 0194-2485396, 18001807091, 103
• Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
• Udhampur: 8491928625
• PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
• PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331

Due to ongoing restoration work, shooting stones, and snow accumulation, several key routes in Jammu & Kashmir remain inaccessible. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and travelers are urged to follow official updates before planning their trips. Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel on affected roads.

Widespread Rains, Snow Lash J&K, MeT Department Forecasts More Till March 3

Meer Shabnum

Srinagar, Feb 28 (KB): Majority of parts in Jammu and Kashmir have experienced moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall in last twenty four hours, with Meteorological Centre forecasting more precipitation upto March 3.

A senior MeT Department official, talking to news agency Kashmir Bulletin said that, “Udhampur district received 215 mm of rain in 24 hours, the highest in the region, while Batote saw 167 mm, while Jammu, Reasi, and Ramban recorded around 100 mm each.”

South Kashmir witnessed heavy rain and moderate snowfall, while the Chenab Valley on the other hand reported heavy rain and “very heavy snowfall,” according to the official.

“Central Kashmir had lighter rain and snow, while North Kashmir’s plains saw moderate rain and heavy snowfall in mountainous areas.”

The official, in the meantime, warned that rains may continue in Jammu and Chenab Valley’s plains over the next two days. “Central and North Kashmir will see improvement from Thursday (March 1),” he said. However, on March 3, “light to moderate snowfall is expected in parts of Central and North Kashmir. Heavy snow in hills can’t even be ruled out.”

The weather will be generally dry between March 4 to 9, and rise in temperatures also anticipated.

“Avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable zones for the next two days,” the official urged, while advising the farmers to stay cautious until March 3. (KB)