Srinagar— In a swift and commendable display of coordination and bravery, local residents, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and district administration officials successfully rescued a group of Bakerwal community members who were stranded due to an intense snowstorm in the Pakherpora Nallah area of Budgam district.
The incident unfolded on Thursday night into Friday as a severe snowstorm blanketed the Sangerwani and Pakherpora regions, dumping an estimated 4 to 5 feet of snow within just 16 hours. The Bakerwal nomads, who had been camping in the nallah for some time, found themselves trapped by the sudden and heavy accumulation, which made movement impossible and posed serious risks in the sub-zero temperatures.
As soon as news of the stranded group reached the locals of Pakherpora, authorities mobilized rapidly. The District Officer (DO) of Pakherpora Police Post, Ms. Saleem, along with his dedicated team, played a pivotal role in leading the rescue efforts. Naib Tehsildar and local administration officials also activated their resources without delay, ensuring seamless coordination.
The joint operation involved trekking through deep snow to reach the affected Bakerwals, providing them with immediate assistance, and safely relocating the entire group to a nearby local school for shelter, warmth, and further care. No injuries or casualties were reported, thanks to the prompt response.
Locals have widely praised the exemplary teamwork and quick action displayed by the police team under Ms. Saleem and the Naib Tehsildar. Residents described the rescue as “heroic” and expressed gratitude for the officials’ commitment to community safety during extreme weather conditions.
The heavy snowfall that struck central Kashmir, including Budgam, on January 23, 2026, marked the end of a prolonged dry spell but brought significant challenges. Reports from the area indicate 3.5 to 4 feet of snow in Pakherpora and nearby Charar-i-Sharief, with some localized pockets experiencing even higher accumulations consistent with the 4-5 feet reported in the nallah’s higher or more exposed sections. The storm disrupted normal life, though the focus remained on ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups like the nomadic Bakerwals.
