Himachal tourism body seeks reopening of Deepak Tal, Shinkula routes

The Eco-Tourism Society of Lahaul-Spiti on Saturday submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, seeking early restoration and reopening of key tourist destinations — Deepak Tal and Shinkula — which remain inaccessible due to heavy snow accumulation.Led by its president Kalzang, the delegation highlighted the urgent need to clear snow and ensure safe access to these high-altitude sites to revive tourism and generate employment for local youth. Members said the prolonged closure of these destinations had adversely impacted livelihoods dependent on tourism in the region.Deepak Tal, a scenic high-altitude lake along the Manali-Leh highway and Shinkula, a strategic mountain pass connecting Lahaul with Zanskar, are among the most sought-after tourist attractions in Lahaul-Spiti. However, heavy snowfall and harsh winter conditions have cut off both destinations from regular tourist movement.Kalzang said reopening these sites at the earliest would not only boost tourism but also provide much-needed economic opportunities for local residents, especially those engaged in hospitality, transport and allied services. “Tourism is the backbone of our local economy. Early reopening will help restore normalcy and support hundreds of families,” he said.The memorandum urged the administration and police to coordinate with departments, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), for expedited snow clearance and to ensure safety measures for visitors. The delegation stressed that road connectivity, weather monitoring and safety protocols must be in place before reopening.Officials assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed on priority. They acknowledged the importance of tourism to the local economy and said steps would be taken in coordination with agencies concerned to assess road conditions and begin restoration work.According to sources in the District Disaster Management Authority and the BRO, the Darcha-Shinkula road has been opened for 4x4 vehicles, while snow clearance on the Manali-Leh highway is underway. With the onset of spring, stakeholders are hopeful that improving weather conditions will facilitate the reopening of key routes and revive tourism activity in the coming weeks.

Himachal tourism body seeks reopening of Deepak Tal, Shinkula routes

Tribune News Service

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