White October: Pangi wakes up to snow, Chamba shivers under rain

Winter seems to be knocking early this year as higher reaches of Chamba district, particularly in the tribal region of Pangi, witnessed fresh snowfall while incessant rain drenched the lower areas, sending temperatures plummeting across the district.

Since early Monday morning, moderate to heavy snowfall has been reported in Chasak Bhatori, Moorch, Sural Bhatori, Hudan Bhatori, Parmar Bhatori and Pregran. Continuous rain in the lower regions has intensified the cold wave and the MeT Department has forecast more rains and snow on Tuesday as well.

Meanwhile, snowfall has disrupted connectivity to the Pangi valley, with the Sachh Pass route — the lifeline connecting Pangi to the Chamba district headquarters— now closed due to snow accumulation. Around five inches of snow has been recorded at Sachh Pass, halting vehicular movement. The Atal Tunnel Rohtang route has also been affected by fresh snow, cutting off Pangi’s link.

Officials from the PWD said machinery has been deployed to clear the snow and restore the route as soon as possible. “Heavy snowfall is continuing on the Satrundi-Sachh Pass road and the restoration work may take some time due to challenging weather conditions,” a PWD official explained.

Pangi locals said the sudden change in weather may hit essential supplies in the valley as villagers have yet not completed the stocking of ration and other necessities.

Villagers in Pangi traditionally stock six months’ worth of rations by the time of the Phulyatra, a festival which marks the onset of winters, but this year’s early snowfall has made transportation of essential items like fuelwood, rations and gas cylinders difficult. The Phulyatra is celebrate in mid-October.

If the snowfall continues, it may become challenging to transport winter essentials before heavy snow blocks all access routes for the season, said Ajit Rana, a local. The early snowfall may also hit the ongoing developmental works.

The administration has issued an advisory for residents and tourists, urging them to exercise caution while traveling in snow-prone areas.

The cold spell has also gripped the Churah region, where fresh snowfall has been reported at Bihali, Chanju and Darati Pass. Meanwhile, in Chamba, heavy rains triggered a landslide at Parel in the outskirts of the town blocking the Pathankot-Chamba highway. There are also reports of heavy rainfall in Bhattiyat, Dalhousie, Salooni and others parts of the district.