Himachal: Delay in snow clearance on Gramphu road harries locals

Residents of Losar and surrounding villages in remote Spiti valley of Lahaul and Spiti tribal district have raised concerns over the prolonged delay in snow clearance work on the strategic Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphu highway, particularly the road stretch from Losar to Gramphu in the district.

Despite its critical role in connecting the region to the rest of the state from Manali side and boosting tourism, the road remains blocked due to heavy snow weeks after the expected start of clearance operations.

In a joint memorandum submitted to Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, community leaders, including the Numberdar of Losar village Sonam Dorje, Pradhan of Yuvak Mandal and heads of Mahila Mandals from Losar, Chichong and Kholaksa, have urged immediate intervention.

Concerned citizens like Sonam Lamo and Tanzin Chhodon have also voiced frustration, citing prolonged isolation and disruption to livelihoods.

“The Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphu highway is a lifeline for the Spiti region enabling access towards Manali-Kullu and supporting the region’s fragile economy, which heavily depends on tourism during the short summer season. In contrast to the Zojila Pass in Ladakh, which was opened to traffic on April 1, the Losar-Gramphu route remains inaccessible with no significant snow-clearance work undertaken so far,” they said.

Locals alleged that the contracted firm, Garg and Sons Company, has cleared barely 2 km beyond Losar village, with no further progress. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), specifically unit 94 RCC, tasked with oversight, has also been criticised for inaction. In previous years, snow clearance would begin as early as March, raising questions about this year’s delay.

Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana said the road restoration work would begin immediately. “Due to the transfer of responsibility from BRO’s 94 RCC to 108 RCC, there was an unexpected delay. Additionally, the arrival of BRO’s operators has been delayed by two days. In the meantime, I have directed the PWD to commence the work and they have already acted on the directive,” she said. “Work will begin tomorrow and BRO will join the effort within two days. The road is expected to be fully restored within a month.”

As the snow begins to melt and the tourist season approaches, locals hope the authorities would act swiftly to reopen this vital road.