250 rescued through Rohtang tunnel

Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, November 4

Around 250 persons, including labourers, who had been stranded following heavy snow in Lahaul-Spiti since Friday, were evacuated through the Rohtang tunnel in two HRTC buses and one truck of the BRO today.

Deputy Commissioner Ashwani Kumar Chaudhari said a few vehicles, especially trucks, were stranded in the area because of snow. They were coming from the Leh side towards Lahaul.

Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation deployed its workforce and machinery to clear snow and restore traffic on the Manali-Leh highway via Rohtang up to Keylong.

The BRO has started snow clearance from Koksar towards Rohtang, while from Manali, it engaged its machinery from Kothi. Due to a heavy snowfall, it is a challenging task for the BRO to restore the road early for traffic.

BRO Commander Colonel AK Awasthi said, “The area is covered under a thick blanket of snow. It will take time for the BRO to restore traffic on the road. We have engaged snow cutters, excavators, wheel loaders and dozers.”

“At Rohtang, there is over five-feet snow. The restoration of the road will depend on the weather conditions. This time, our Diwali celebrations will be at the Rohtang Pass” he added.

Most villages in Lahaul are still reeling under darkness after a fresh snowfall had snapped the power supply. Due to lack of power supply, the telecommunication and internet services have also been hampered.

Residents of Lahaul Spiti are waiting desperately for the opening of Rohtang as they have been cut off from the rest of state since Friday.