Snow-clearance operations on key roads in Lahaul-Spiti dist intensified

The Lahaul-Spiti administration has announced that several key roads have been reopened for traffic. Deputy Commissioner Lahaul and Spiti Rahul Kumar confirmed that with the help of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Manali-Kelong road has been cleared for small vehicles. Additionally, the road connecting Kaza to Kinnaur is also open.

The local authorities continue to work on clearing link roads to ensure connectivity across the valley.

The DC highlighted that while the snowfall has brought relief to farmers and gardeners, improving water supply for agricultural purposes, it posed challenges to infrastructure.

He said that there remains a high risk of slippery roads due to the ongoing icy conditions, urging both locals and tourists to exercise caution while driving.

He specifically advised the use of 4x4 drive vehicles or vehicles equipped with snow chains for safety. Furthermore, he cautioned against travelling during the night as the formation of “black ice” makes driving after dark particularly hazardous.

In particular, the road from Kelong to Udaipur-Tindi has been reopened, but only 4x4 drive vehicles are allowed. Tourists planning to visit Lahaul have been urged to cross the Atal Tunnel by 8 am when heading to Lahaul, and to leave for Manali before 2 pm when returning to avoid being stranded due to nightfall. If delays occur, tourists are advised to take shelter in nearby hotels or homestays and wait until the next day to resume their journey.

The DC also assured that police force has been deployed at key locations such as Atal Tunnel, Koksar and Sissu to maintain smooth traffic flow. He advised tourists to follow the instructions of the traffic police and to remain calm in case of traffic jams.

In terms of basic services, the DC assured that despite the extreme cold, power supply has been maintained across the district and water supply remains uninterrupted, thanks to efforts of the Jal Shakti Department. Additionally, he advised the public to use electric heaters, gas heaters and tandoors with caution to avoid accidents.

“The District Disaster Management Authority has also been issuing regular advisories and tourists are encouraged to follow these updates for their safety. For any assistance, they can contact the local authorities,” he remarked.