Weather permitting, road to Leh open till Dec 31

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Kullu, November 14

In what could be heartening for residents of tribal district Lahaul-Spiti, the district administration, depending on the weather conditions in the region, has decided to allow the vehicular movement between Kullu and Lahaul via the Rohtang Pass.

Generally, after November 15, the 13,050 feet high Rohtang Pass, the gateway to Lahaul, is officially closed for traffic in view of public safety because due to its high altitude the Pass is prone to sudden heavy snowfall which could pose a serious threat to the lives of visitors.

The Rohtang Pass yesterday received mild snowfall, but the traffic on the route between Manali and Keylong remained unaffected.

Every year, the district administration sets up rescue posts at Marhi on the Manali side and at Koksar on the Lahaul side on November 15 for helping visitors during the inclement weather.

The posts remain functional till December 31. The authorities take the help of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, to set up these rescue posts.

Director of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, Captain Randhir Salhuria said, “Our team is heading to the spot tomorrow to set up rescue posts at Marhi and Koksar for the safety of visitors in the region as the high-altitude areas may witness snowfall.” He added that people were advised to ensure their entry on these rescue posts before crossing over to the other side so that timely assistance could be provided if the need arose.

Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul-Spiti, Deva Singh Negi said, “The rescue posts will be set up at Marhi and Koksar. I have decided to allow the traffic to continue on this route depending on the weather condition.”

Like the previous year, the authority will take help of the Border Roads Organisation this time also for snow clearing to ensure smooth traffic.

 Rescue posts at Marhi, Koksar 

• The Rohtang Pass received mild snowfall on Monday, but the traffic between Manali and Keylong remained unaffected.
• Every year, the district administration sets up rescue posts at Marhi on the Manali side and at Koksar on the Lahaul side for helping visitors during the harsh weather.
• The posts remains functional till December 31. The authorities take the help of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, to set up the rescue posts.