MANALI: Manali-Leh, Manali-Rohtang pass, Manali-Kaza highways, and many other roads including Darcha-Padum road have been blocked. Lahaul-Spiti administration had ordered the traffic shut on Manali-Leh and Keylong-Kaza highways till further order.
Rohtang pass and Kunzum pass have received more than 20cm of fresh snow, while the Baralacha pass has received over 25cm of snow. Koksar and the north portal of the Atal tunnel received 10cm and 5cm of snow. District headquarters Keylong witnessed only some snowflakes. Kaza, Losar, Hikkim, Kibber, Kee, and most parts of Spiti valley have also been covered under a white blanket.
Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said, “Two rescue teams have been dispatched to rescue them." He added that movement on the Manali-Leh highway was stopped on Sunday morning and nobody was stranded on this road.
Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Neeraj Kumar said higher regions have been experiencing snowfall since Sunday and the road surface has become slippery. “The Manali-Leh highway and Darcha-Padum road shall remain closed beyond Darcha and Keylong-Kaza road shall remain closed beyond Koksar till further order. People are advised not to go towards higher regions,” he said.
