Snow leaves 46 stranded at Koksar

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, November 19

As many as 46 persons have been stranded at Koksar for the past three days. Those stranded were on their way to Kullu from Lahaul the snowfall at Rohtang Pass halted the traffic movement on the Manali-Leh highway.

A majority of the stranded persons were stated to be drivers and ITBP soldiers.

Sources said the persons travelling between Koksar and Rohtang left their vehicles in the snow-clad area and took shelter at the rescue post set up by the district administration at Koksar and a nearby rest house.

Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul Spiti, Deva Singh Negi told The Tribune, “We are in touch with the Border Roads Organisation but due to inclement weather, the snow-clearing operation is getting delayed.”

“The arrangements for eating and stay have been made. Food items, wood, medicines and other items are available at the rescue post in Koksar. Some dhabas are also open,” he said.

Some persons taking part in a marriage procession were also stranded in the Miyar valley in Lahaul Spiti, who were transported to Udaipur by the district administration and had been accommodated in a rest house at Udaipur .

To deal with any emergency situation, the district administration had made all necessary arrangements. The district administration was also in touch with the BRO over the possibility of rescuing them through the Rohtang tunnel if a major emergency situation arose. Only under special circumstances, the option of tunnel would be explored, the Deputy Commissioner said.

In case of any disaster in the district, the District Disaster Management Authority has provided toll-free number 1077.