Snowfall cripples life in Chamba's Pangi valley

Continuous snowfall since yesterday has affected normal life in the Pangi valley of Chamba district. This remote area wears a white mantle with the season’s first major snowfall snapping road connectivity and power supply.

According to reports, the upper regions of Chamba such as Sural, Kumar, Hudaan, Saichu, Shoon, Udiin and Chasak recorded 6 to 7 inches of snow, making roads slippery and travel risky. Lower areas, including Sach, Finduru, Killar, Poorthi, Luz and Dharwas, also experienced 1 to 2 inches of snow coupled with steady rainfall that disrupted access to essential services and outer connectivity. Electricity supply has been affected in several parts of the Pangi valley, adding to the hardships of the residents.

The situation is particularly grim in Chask Bhatori and Moorch villages of Saichu Nala panchayat, which have been completely cut off from the rest of the district at a time when the winter ration supply is yet to reach these isolated hamlets.

Panchayat representative Madhi Devi Sharma said that the winter was always tough in these remote parts of Chamba but snowfall occurring early this year has worsened the situation for them.

Meanwhile, snowfall and rainfall continued through Tuesday, particularly in higher reaches of the district, while the temperatures plummeted by several notches. The tribal Bharmour region also experienced the season’s first snowfall after two days of continuous rainfall. The upper mountain ranges of Manimahesh, Kugti and Kuwarsi recorded up to six inches of snow while the sacred Manimahesh Dal Lake area wore a white blanket.

The snowfall has intensified cold conditions across the region and caused damage to standing crops. Several shepherds, who were moving to lower areas in Kangra from high-altitude pastures through Jalsu and Indrahar passes, are reportedly stranded due to heavy snowfall and slippery terrains. A portion of the Khadamukh-Holi highway has caved in completely, halting vehicular movement. Several vehicles were stranded on both sides of the blocked route, forcing people to walk long distances to reach their destinations. Executive Engineer, Bharmour, Bhal Chand said that the restoration work would begin once the weather improves.

Meanwhile, the Chamba-Pathankot National Highway was blocked following a massive landslide at Parel near Chamba town, bringing traffic to a halt. Vehicles were later diverted through the Chamba-Tissa road as the authorities began the debris clearance work.