Darcha-Sarchu road shut till next summer

Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and Spiti, Rahul Kumar today issued an order to completely close the Darcha-Sarchu National Highway-3 and the Darcha-Shinku La roads for all vehicular traffic from tomorrow until the summer next year. The roads are being closed as a precautionary measure due to extreme cold weather conditions.

The Deputy Commissioner said that it was necessary to close these roads as black ice was forming frequently on Baralacha La and Shinku La, making these roads extremely hazardous. He added that the decision was aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of travellers. In the past, travellers had got stranded due to sudden snowfall and difficult conditions on these high-altitude routes.

He said that rescue operations in such harsh conditions were very challenging and risky. He warned that those who violate the order would face imprisonment up to one year, fine, or both.