Zojila Pass

Zojila Pass Latest News

Recently, a massive snow avalanche has hit the Zojila Pass in Ladakh.

About Zojila Pass

• Zojila Pass, also known as ‘The Mountain Pass of Blizzards’, is a high mountain pass located in the Kargil district of Ladakh.
• It is located on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway (NH-1) at a height of 11,650 feet.
• It lies in the Greater Himalayan Range.
• The pass remains closed for almost half of the year due to heavy snowfall.
• History
  • It was the site of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947-48.
  • It was captured by militias aided by the Pakistan Army in 1848, with the ultimate aim of capturing Ladakh.
  • However, the pass itself was captured by the Indian Army on 1st November 1948, in an assault codenamed Operation Bison.

What is an avalanche?

• It is a large amount of snow that quickly moves down a slope. 
• It can be deadly because it will bury or sweep away anything in its path. 
• Many different conditions make an avalanche possible. 
  • An avalanche is more likely to happen on a slope without trees or large rocks.These things help to keep snow in place. 
  • A weak layer of snow also makes an avalanche likely.

Source: TH

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