Rohtang to be opened to traffic in 3 days

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Manali, April 23

The Border Roads Organisation authority is hopeful of opening the Rohtang Pass to traffic beyond Manali in three days if weather permits. The authority is struggling to open the road to provide transportation facility for the people of Lahaul-Spiti. The Velley residents have been deprived of the facility since December after the area received heavy snowfall during winter.

The BRO pressed into service its machinery and workforce last month. The BRO workerforce has reached at the top of the Rohtang Pass from both Manali and Koksar sides.

Official sources said only a one-kilometre stretch had been left with snow. More than 10 feet snow had been deposited on the road.

The BRO authority has cleared snow on the 70-km stretch, which is prone to avalanches. BRO officials are eager to open the road in time for public convenience because the people of Lahaul-Spiti have been waiting desperately for the opening of the Pass for traffic movement in the region.

Talking to The Tribune here today, BRO Executive Commander Mayank Mehta said, “We are hopeful that the authority will be able open Rohtang in three days. The machinery and workforce have been reached the top.”

“Bad weather was a big hindrance for the snow-clearance operation. Only yesterday the area received fresh snowfall and weather was stormy throughout the day, which hampered the operation” he added.

“As soon as the Pass will be connected, the BRO will start the road widening process in the region to ensure smooth road for traffic movement between Manali and Keylong,” he said.

Due to strategic importance of the Manali-Leh Road, the task of opening the road for traffic movement was entrusted to the BRO authority, who maintains the road and keeps it open till the end of April or middle of May month every year. During summer, this route is used by the Army to supply essential commodities to soldiers near Leh-Ladakh as it was considered the shortest route for the purpose.

Advisory for pedestrians

Kullu: The district administration, Lahaul Spiti, has issued an advisory to the people of the district to refrain from crossing Rohtang Pass on foot for the next few days as weather is uncertain in the region.

Deva Singh Negi, DC of Lahaul Spiti, said there were reports that people were crossing the Pass on foot which might be risky because since yesterday, the weather was rough.

He urged people to enter their names at rescue posts while crossing the area, which may provide help to the visitors in crisis.

Due to lack of transportation facility, residents ventured into the area on foot to cross the Pass by putting their lives at risk, especially in emergency cases after the establishment of rescue posts in the region.

After the closure of Rohtang during winter, tribals remain dependent on the state government, which provides air service in emergency cases.—TNS