Cold tightens grip as Manali has fresh snow

MC Thakur

MANALI, JANUARY 15

As predicted by the Meteorological Department, the upper Manali areas experienced fresh and mild snowfall, intensifying cold wave conditions in the region today.

The entire reaches in the Kullu valley, including Rohtang, Pir Panjal ranges, Dhundi, Beaskund, Marhi, Gulaba, Kothi, Bhrighu slopes, Hamta ski slopes and Chanderkhani, received fresh snow.

The snowfall at famous ski slopes of the Solang valley has brought smiles on the faces of ski lovers, who had come here from different parts to participate in ski courses.

For the safety of tourists, the district administration has stopped all tourist vehicles from going to a sight-seeing tour to the Solang valley beyond Nehru Kund on the Manali-Rohtang road and deployed police personnel to stop them.

Hundreds of tourists made a beeline for Nehru Kund to enjoy the snow. There was a jovial environment in places between Bahang and Nehru Kund as tourists were seen enjoying sledging, skiing, riding on yaks, throwing snowballs at each others and clicking photographs in local dresses.

Locals of adjoining villages were busy renting out snow dresses, woollen garments, jackets, gloves and snow shoes for tourists.

Snow alert for Lahaul & Spiti residents

Mandi: In the wake of heavy snowfall prediction by the Meteorological Department, the district administration, Lahaul Spiti, has urged residents to avoid visiting the snowbound area for a few days because of safety concerns. The area has been cut off from the country after the closure of Rohtang, the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti, because of heavy snowfall.Deputy Commissioner Vivek Bhatia said the residents have been advised to stay in their home until the sky becomes clear. The district is prone to avalanches which may cause threat to lives.Link roads within the district were already blocked and now residents were demanding flight service to the district. — TNS