138 farmers stranded in Kullu sent to Lahaul & Spiti villages

Tribune News Service

Mandi, April 25

The government today transported 138 stranded farmers belonging to tribal Lahaul and Spiti district from Kullu to the Lahaul valley via the Rohtang Pass. They were keen to return to their villages for the sowing season.

The farmers were taken in light vehicles from Kullu to Rahninulla near the Rohtang Pass, and from there they crossed over to other side to go towards Lahaul and Spiti on foot. They trekked a 7-km snowy path from Rahninulla and were later transported to their villages.

BRO Commander Colonel Uma Shankar said the 13,050-feet Rohtang Pass was opened to traffic this evening. The BRO has engaged its workforce and machinery in the region to clear snow since February 20.

Lahaul and Spiti Deputy Commissioner KK Saroch said, “We provided transportation facility from the Lahaul side and shifted all people to their villages. There medical check-up was conducted at the entry point on the Manali side and at Koksar on the Lahaul side.”

Saroch said a few people were sent back to Kullu after their medical check-up at Marhi, as they were found unfit to cross the snowy path. All of them had been asked to stay in home quarantine and follow social distancing.

Agriculture Minister Ram Lal Markanda also monitored the transport arrangements.