Himachal weather update: 4 national highways among 724 roads blocked across state after snow, 2,243 power transformers non-functional
The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: Following three days of relentless rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh, the weather cleared up on Friday (February 2, 2024), but the aftermath has ushered in significant challenges for the state.
As of 10 am on Friday, four national highways and 720 roads remained closed for traffic, while as many as 2,243 power transformers stood stalled, plunging numerous areas into darkness. The snow-laden regions have witnessed disruptions in daily life, increasing the struggles of residents and tourists alike.
In Shimla city, the aftermath of the first snowfall of the new year has rendered roads treacherous, with the accumulation of snow transforming thoroughfares, including the Circular Road, into slippery pathways. The city’s bus services have come to a halt, forcing commuters to navigate on foot amidst precarious conditions, slipping and sliding along the way.
The challenges escalate in district Kullu and the tribal area of Lahaul, where heavy snowfall has paralysed normal activities. All 134 roads managed by the Public Works Department in Lahaul are impassable, while over 100 bus routes operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) in Kullu have been affected, bringing movement to a standstill.
The blackout situation persists in many areas of the district due to the closure of approximately 700 power transformers, compounding the woes of residents already grappling with the aftermath of the inclement weather.
Nevertheless, amidst the chaos, the snowfall has brought a glimmer of hope and joy to farmers, orchardists and tourism stakeholders. Significant snow accumulations have been recorded across various regions, including six feet in Rohtang Pass, four and a half feet at the South Portal of Atal Tunnel Rohtang, , three feet in Solanganala and Jalodi Pass and one feet in Keylong. Efforts to mitigate the fallout are underway, with the Public Works Department initiating restoration work on the Chamba-Jot road, which witnessed heavy snowfall on Friday morning, prompting pedestrians to traverse the route on foot.
