Srinagar, March 29 -- The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had managed to keep the Zoji La Pass open all winter due to relatively low snowfall. However, operations were impacted after Friday's avalanche at Dayal Slide, which claimed seven lives.

Chief executive officer, Kargil Hill Development Council, however, termed the avalanche an unfortunate accident, noting that it can happen anywhere in the mountains.

Seven people were killed and five were injured after a major avalanche struck their vehicles on Friday. The Srinagar-Leh highway is closed until the slopes stabilise, the rescue operation concluded this morning. The rescue operation concluded Saturday morning with the recovery of one more body.

Meanwhile, locals say that proper plan...