Lahaul natives stuck in Kullu to be sent back

Tribune News Service

Mandi, April 24

Agriculture Minister Ram Lal Markanda has said that the government will operate special vehicles from coming Saturday to transport natives of tribal Lahaul and Spiti district living in Kullu to the Lahaul valley for agricultural activities.

The Tribune had highlighted the plight of Lahaul and Spiti farmers stranded in Kullu district who were desperate to return home to cultivate their agricultural fields during the ongoing sowing season.

The minister said that the BRO had restored the Manali-Rohtang road to Rahaninala, while it would take some time to restore the Rohtang Pass, the gateway to Lahaul on the Manali-Leh highway. Therefore, light vehicles would be operated for Lahaul residents from Kullu at 6 am.

“At the moment, these vehicles will go only to Rahaninala. The natives will have to walk about 3 km from Rahaninala to cross the pass to go to the other side towards Lahaul. From the Lahaul side towards Manali, the BRO has restored the road till the Rohtang Pass,” Markanda added.

He said that only those, who had applied online, would be sent to Lahaul in these vehicles. The helicopter liaison officer would prepare the list of passengers.