Roads blocked in Lahaul-Spiti

Our Correspondent

Mandi, April 23

Traffic movement was halted in the Lahaul valley today following heavy rain and snowfall. Keylong received over 60 cm of snow in the past two days while normal life was disrupted in Lahaul and Spiti district.

Power supply cables and poles were damaged in different parts of the district in the past three days, plunging the Lahaul valley into darkness. However, the power supply was partially restored at Keylong. The Manali-Leh highway remained blocked for the second consecutive day today due to heavy snowfall. Over 300 people were stranded in the Lahaul valley. Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and Spiti, Pankaj Rai told The Tribune that the stranded people would be sent towards Leh from the Lahaul side via Srinagar as soon as the BRO restores the Manali-Keylong road in one or two days. The Manali-Leh highway was blocked ahead of the Solang valley towards Lahaul via the Atal Tunnel. The Jalori Pass National Highway No. 305 was also blocked.

Around 36 roads were blocked in Kullu district alone, while power supply was also affected in rural areas.

In Mandi district, 43 roads were blocked due to the snowfall, while 79 power transformers were damaged, affecting power supply in rural areas. The entire region is in the grip of a severe cold wave.

As per sources, the heavy snowfall has caused considerable damage to agriculture and horticulture produce in Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu and Mandi districts. Apple orchards have been damaged in the Janjehli area of Mandi district while in the Lahaul valley, greenhouses have been damaged.