Avalanche risk, schools to remain closed in Pangi area today

Pangi Residential Commissioner Raman Gharsangi on Wednesday said due to the risk of avalanches in the higher reaches of the valley, a decision has been made to close all Anganwadi centres and educational institutions in Gram Panchayats Sural, Hudan, Kumar and Sechunala for tomorrow.

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The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh, has issued Level-3 snow avalanche alert in parts of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Kinnaur, while Level-1 warning has been issued for Shimla. In addition, GSSS-Purthi and Sach, GHS Mindhal and all primary, secondary and higher secondary schools under these clusters will also remain closed.

The order to this effect has been issued under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

However, other educational institutions, including ITI, Degree College, Pangi, and Eklava Model Residential School will remain open.

The decision comes in the wake of last week’s heavy snowfall, which severely disrupted daily life in the valley. Roads were blocked, electricity and communication lines were affected and movement was restricted in the tribal region due to the thick snow cover.