Traffic suspended on mountain roads of Lahaul-Spiti due to fresh snowfall in Himachal

Fresh snowfall has occurred in the high-altitude areas and mountain passes of Lahaul and Spiti districts in Himachal Pradesh, leading to cold waves in the surrounding valleys and the imposition of travel restrictions, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

Continuous snowfall has been observed since late Thursday at Shinku La Pass, Baralacha Pass, Kunzum Top, and other high-altitude areas. Additionally, snowfall has also commenced in the higher reaches of Manali. Due to the snowfall, road conditions in the high-altitude regions of Lahaul and Spiti have become unsafe for vehicles. Under an advisory issued by the police on Friday, traffic heading towards Shinku La and Baralacha passes has been suspended.

According to a report by news agency ANI, snowfall also occurred in Rohtang Pass and Marhi early this morning, with approximately 4 to 5 inches recorded at Rohtang Pass and 1 inch at Marhi. As per the Manali police, vehicular movement from Marhi towards Rohtang Pass has been completely halted, and only emergency vehicles have been permitted. Necessary instructions have been provided at the Gulaba Barrier, and vehicles that have reached Marhi are being sent back to Manali safely.

Vehicular movement towards Kunzum Top has also been stopped, while the road leading to Chhatru has been closed. The police advisory stated that in case of emergencies, depending on the assessment of road and weather conditions, only four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with proper snow chains may be permitted.

Due to the snowfall, roads connecting Rohtang to Koksar, Darcha to Sarchu, Gramphu to Battal, Losar to Battal, and Rohli to Kadhu Nulah in Lahaul and Spiti districts have also been closed. Restrictions have been imposed on vehicular movement beyond Gulaba in Manali. The district administration and police have requested residents and tourists to follow the official advisory and avoid traveling to high-altitude areas. The public and tourists have been advised by the police to stay away from high-altitude areas until weather and road conditions improve.

Videos of the snowfall have appeared on social media, raising hopes among those associated with the tourism industry regarding an increase in the number of tourists. Monty, who is associated with adventure tourism in Manali, told PTI that tourists from the plains, especially from Delhi and the National Capital Region, are already flocking to the hilly resorts of Himachal Pradesh to escape the post-Diwali air pollution, and the fresh snowfall is expected to increase the state's attraction.

The Shimla Meteorological Department had issued a yellow alert on Thursday for thunderstorms with lightning in isolated parts of the state, which is likely to continue on Friday and Saturday. The department also reported wet weather until 15 November.

Traffic has been suspended on main roads in the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh due to snowfall and cold, and people have been instructed to stay away from the affected areas.

Himachal Pradesh is a hilly state in India known for its beautiful mountains and tourism. The state experiences heavy snowfall during winter, which often affects roads and lifestyles.