Life paralysed in Pangi valley

There was no respite for the people of the Pangi valley as heavy snowfall continued for the third consecutive day today. The relentless snowfall completely cut off the valley as all roads such as the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi were blocked for, prompting locals to urge the government for air connectivity to Pangi.

The administration issued an advisory, requesting residents to stay indoors due to extreme weather conditions. Since early Thursday morning, Killar sub-divisional headquarters received around 12 inches of snow, while higher-altitude areas like Chasak Bhatori, Hudan and Sural Bhatori recorded up to three feet of snowfall.

Heavy snowfall led to a complete blackout in Pangi as electricity supply remained disrupted. Roads under the Public Works Department (PWD) were blocked, and several drinking water supply schemes had been affected. The authorities made efforts to restore essential services as soon as the weather improves.

The harsh weather conditions have forced the closure of all educational institutions in the region for two days. Pangi Resident Commissioner Raman Gharsangi directed officials to prioritise restoration of basic amenities and stay prepared for emergency situations.

With all 35 roads blocked, movement in the valley become nearly impossible. Due to avalanches blocking natural streams, water flow to Killar, Sural, Purthi and Sach powerhouses was interrupted. “As soon as ice melts, powerhouses will be restarted,” said Hem Rana, Assistant Engineer, Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board.

Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) launched an operation to clear snow along the Sach-Sahli road to evacuate a patient in need of medical help. Residents have urged the government to arrange air transport as road blockages are making it impossible for patients to be evacuated. “If someone falls seriously ill, there is no way to get them out of the valley,” lamented a local resident.