Accelerate works to repair roads, Lahaul-Spiti MLA to BRO

With several road blocked and transportation routes disrupted because of continuous rainfall and flash floods, the timely delivery of crops to mandis has become a concern among farmers across Lahaul valley in tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti.

Fearing heavy financial losses, a delegation of farmers met Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana in Keylong on Sunday, and urged her to intervene and expedite the repair of damaged roads, particularly the crucial Vashisht Chowk near Manali on the Manali-Leh highway, which remains a bottleneck for crop-laden vehicles trying to reach markets in Kullu and beyond from Lahaul valley.

Sensing the urgency, Anuradha Rana contacted officials from the BRO and pressed them to accelerate repair works in the affected areas. She reassured the farmers that both the government and the administration were committed to ensuring that their produce reaches mandis on time.

“Efforts are being made on every front to assist the farmers,” said the MLA. “The Manali administration has been instructed to use the Old Manali road for one-way traffic and to prioritise vegetable-laden vehicles to avoid spoilage and losses.”

Due to limited vehicle availability, instructions have been issued to the Agriculture Secretary and the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti to coordinate with traders, wholesalers and farmers to develop an immediate and effective logistics plan. Discussions with stakeholders are already underway.

The MLA stated that Gramphu–Kaza route has been reopened and efforts are on to facilitate the movement of larger vehicles using this corridor. Near Koksar, work is in progress to restore the Famal Nala stretch for heavy vehicles. BRO has also been directed to urgently reopen the Dhundi route, which is vital for restoring full transportation services in the region.

Rana acknowledged that while the administration is working tirelessly to provide relief, weather-related challenges and frequent landslides continue to hinder efforts. Nonetheless, she expressed hope that ongoing efforts would minimise economic losses for the farming community. “We understand the gravity of the situation. Our goal is to ensure that no farmer suffers due to delay in transportation. Restoration work is being done on a war footing,” she added.

Farmers expressed optimism after the meeting but emphasised the need for swift and tangible action to prevent losses.