MANALI: Army’s Dogra Scouts rescued 205 people, mostly tourists, who were stranded along the Kinnaur-Kaza highway on Monday evening following snowfall, given shelter and even meals. Arrangements were made for night stay of 205 people in Army camps and all of them were given meals.
Col Nitin Mittal of Dogra Scouts said, “A total of 205 people staying in the camps were also given meal and medical facilities. Many were able to talk to their family members through satellite phone.” Passengers of more than 50 light vehicles and a bus were stranded after snow blocked the highway to Spiti valley. Also, given the safety of the people, vehicles were not allowed to move beyond Sumdo check post.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is clearing snow from Sumdo to Kaza. Although the road was open, it was still dangerous to drive due to slippery conditions. The Spiti administration has asked tourists not to come towards Kaza.
Kaza SDM Mahendra Pratap Singh said the Kaza-Sumdo road had been blocked at multiple points over the night, leading to stalled traffic. “Some tourists were taking the risk of coming towards Kaza and have been asked to stay at their present location until driving conditions become safe. I along with DSP and naib tehsildar met the stranded people at Sumdo. Those who wanted to go towards Kinnaur have been sent immediately after Malling top has opened for traffic,” he said.
A large number of tourists are still attempting to reach higher regions despite warning and trying to go to Spiti from both Shimla and Manali route. Many tourists managed to go beyond Gulaba and wanted to go till Rohtang on Tuesday. The administrations in different locations are requesting tourists not to take risk for few days.
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