MLA Anuradha Rana reviews situation; BRO begins restoration work in snowbound areas
Munish Sood
MANDI: Continuous snowfall for the past three days has thrown life out of gear in the Lahaul valley, where temperatures dipped to –0.5°C on Tuesday night. The entire region remains covered under a thick blanket of snow, ranging from six inches to two feet, disrupting road connectivity, power supply and normal life across several villages.
Heavy snowfall has been reported in Keylong, Koksar, Sissu, Darcha and Atal Tunnel North Portal, while movement towards Kunzum Pass has come to a complete halt. Many remote areas have been cut off, leaving residents struggling for essential supplies. Power lines have been damaged in several parts of the district and restoration work is progressing slowly due to the harsh weather.
Local farmers say that this unseasonal snow has worsened an already difficult year. Cabbage crops were earlier destroyed by untimely rains, and now potato and apple trees are suffering damage. “Apple-laden trees are breaking under the weight of snow. We have faced continuous losses this season,” said local farmer Jog Raj. Another resident added that snowfall has continued since October 5, leaving little hope for recovery this year.
MLA Anuradha Rana has continued her visit to the snow-affected Spiti region, monitoring the situation closely. She said that the district administration and all departments are on alert and relief operations will start on a priority basis once the weather stabilises.
“All departments have been directed to remain vigilant. BRO and PWD will begin road clearance immediately after the snow stops,” Rana said, adding that efforts are already underway to restore power supply and essential services.
Responding to the MLA’s appeal, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has cleared snow from the Keylong-Atal Tunnel North Portal and Keylong-Udaipur routes, reopening them for limited traffic. The Gramphu-Losar-Kaza road will also be cleared soon, while Kunzum Pass restoration remains a top priority.
Rana further said that preliminary reports suggest damage to apple plantations in parts of Lahaul. She has directed the horticulture department to assess crop losses and submit a detailed report at the earliest.
The weather department has forecast continued snowfall and low temperatures in higher reaches for the next 24 hours, urging travellers to avoid unnecessary movement and residents to remain cautious.
