Sirsir La opened to traffic after 20 days

Our Correspondent

Leh, January 30

The Sirsir La, situated at 15,500 feet above sea level, which connects isolated Fotoksar village with Khaltse, the sub-divisional headquarters, was thrown open to traffic on Wednesday.

The pass via Hanupata to the Fotoksar road remained blocked for vehicular movement since January 10 following heavy snowfall.

Leh Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar, while appreciating the snow-clearance team, has said the road was reopened due to the concerted efforts of the public works department and the Khaltse sub-divisional administration. He said they had succeeded in clearing snow from Sirsir La within a short period of time.

Fotoksar village was completely cut-off from the Khaltse headquarters and the rest of the district due to the closure of the pass. Some vehicles, including a bus, were stuck on the other side of the pass.

On the directions of the Leh Deputy Commissioner, public works department Executive Engineer Ghulam Nabi, under the supervision of Khaltse Sub-Divisional Magistrate Tsering Motup, had launched the operation with the help of labourers.

The Deputy Commissioner has praised the road-clearance team and said they have demonstrated strength and resilience by clearing snow from the crucial pass in a short span of time in bone-chilling cold.