Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Life in Himachal; Roads Blocked, Temperature Drops

Himachal Pradesh is once again grappling with heavy snowfall, disrupting daily life in the upper regions of the state. Several key roads and highways have been closed due to fresh snowfall, cutting off access to many tribal areas. The Old Hindustan Tibet National Highway (NH-5) near Narkanda is blocked, forcing traffic to be rerouted via Sunni-Tattapani-Sainj. Similarly, many roads in Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba remain snowbound, isolating remote settlements.

While some highways, including NH-705 (Theog-Hatkoti), NH-205 (Shimla-Bilaspur), and State Highways 8 and 13, remain open, authorities have urged travelers to exercise caution. Slippery road conditions, especially during early morning and late-night hours, pose a significant risk. The District Disaster Management Operation Centre in Shimla is on high alert, prepared to handle emergencies.

The extreme weather has also necessitated emergency medical evacuations. A private airline’s helicopter service airlifted two critically ill patients from Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti in the past two days. However, concerns are mounting as the state government’s helicopter remains grounded, delaying rescue operations in some of the most inaccessible snow-covered regions.

Meanwhile, Shimla and its surrounding areas have seen a sharp dip in temperatures, with mercury hovering between 3-4 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms and moderate rainfall have intensified the winter chill, making conditions even more challenging for locals and travelers alike. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for six districts, while the rest of the state remains under a yellow alert. Light snowfall or rain is expected in a few areas on Tuesday, with partly cloudy skies prevailing thereafter.

Despite the hardships, the snowfall has also brought some much-needed relief. The prolonged dry spell that had gripped the region has finally ended, replenishing water sources and promising long-term benefits for agriculture and tourism. As authorities work to restore normalcy, residents and travelers are advised to remain vigilant while navigating affected areas.