Snowfall effect: People grapple with outages, key Chamba roads blocked

Chamba district has been transformed into a picturesque winter wonderland as heavy snowfall blanketed the higher reaches and incessant rain lashed the lower areas.

Popular hill regions such as Pangi, Bharmour, Salooni and Tissa are now wrapped in a pristine white sheet. The iconic hill station of Khajjiar, referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, has turned into a magical haven, delighting residents and visitors alike.

However, the snowfall has brought its set of challenges. While several roads in remote areas are closed, water and electricity supply have also been disrupted.

In Bharmour, a fresh snowfall of 2 to 4 inches was recorded in the Chaurasi Temple Complex and surrounding area. Some places, including Manimahesh Lake, Kugti, Kawarsi and Holi, experienced up to 1 foot of snow. As temperature plummets to sub-zero level, residents are huddling indoors to combat the chill.

Several roads, including the Pathankot-Bharmour National Highway, have been rendered impassable. The Chamba-Jot-Chowari road is closed. The Pangi Valley remains cut-off from the rest of the district, with key routes such as Pangi-Jammu, Pangi-Lahaul and Pangi-Chamba via Sach Pass closed down due to heavy snow.

Many bus routes have been affected in Salooni and Pangi. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Regional Manager Shugal Singh said due to continuous rain and snowfall, some buses had been stranded in Salooni and other areas. Snowfall has affected nearly a dozen routes, with buses in the remote areas like Churah and Salooni going up to halfway mark only.

However, with the National Highway remaining open, long route buses are operating as usual. Drivers have been advised to take vehicles only as far as conditions allow. Authorities have urged residents to avoid venturing into the mountains in the hazardous weather. The HRTC official assured that all departments are on a high alert to manage the situation and restore connectivity.

Vehicle drivers had been advised to refraining from taking risks by driving in unsafe conditions, said Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal.

Despite the challenges, the season’s first significant snowfall has brought cheer to the locals. Farmers and tourism operators view it as a boon, while residents express excitement about the arrival of winter in its full glory.

The rain in the low-lying areas has also brought relief to farmers who were staring at losses due to prolonged dry spell but are now hoping for a good crop.