Rohtang tunnel shut after avalanche threat

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, January 14

The Rohtang tunnel has been closed for Lahaul-Spiti residents in emergency cases because of heavy snowfall in the region.

The decision was taken by the Border Roads Organisation in view of the public safety because the passage from the Lahaul side towards the north portal of the Rohtang tunnel is prone to snow avalanches.

After the closure of the Rohtang Pass, the Rohtang tunnel provides safe passage to the residents of Lahaul-Spiti to move in and out of the district in emergency cases. But now they will be dependent on helicopter service which is being provided by the state government to airlift patients and people in case of emergency situation.

The BRO has removed Bailey bridge plates, which were laid on the Chandra river near Gufa hotel from the Lahaul side. Due to that no vehicle can move ahead towards tunnel. The BRO has informed the district administration to ask locals to refrain from venturing into the area. Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Keylong, Amar Negi said people were advised not to venture out because due to fresh snowfall, the area had become prone to avalanches.

He said there were reports that people were trying to cross the area on foot to reach the north portal of the tunnel, which was not good to put their lives at stake.