Himalayan Highways Halted: Snowfall and Landslides Paralyze Lahaul Spiti
Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its serene landscapes, is currently gripped by a winter ordeal as snowfall and landslides unleash chaos in the Lahaul Spiti district. With 44 routes rendered impassable and two critical National Highways shuttered, the region finds itself in the throes of a connectivity crisis, isolating communities and underscoring the resilience needed to confront nature’s relentless fury.
The State Disaster Management Authority reports intermittent rain and snowfall across the region, disrupting vehicular traffic and exacerbating the challenges faced by locals. Selfie Point, a popular transit spot near Sissu, stands blocked for all vehicle traffic toward Keylong and Manali due to hazardous sliding. Travel advisories urge commuters to venture out only in emergencies, redirecting traffic through alternative routes for the time being.
In Lahaul Spiti, Keylong experiences heavy snowfall, yet roads remain accessible, offering a lifeline for the community. However, the Darcha to Sarchu route remains impassable, compounded by a landslide near Kadhu Nala, prompting authorities to close the SKTT road from Tandi to Tindi. While Udaipur and Sissu witness rainfall and snow respectively, roads in these areas remain open, providing some respite amidst the adversity.
Yet, the closure of routes from Lossar to Gramphu and Darcha to Shinkula due to snowfall compounds the challenges faced by the region. Both North and South Portals, vital conduits of connectivity, grapple with snowfall, further isolating communities in the rugged terrain of Spiti. In the face of such adversity, the closure of National Highways 505 and 03 serves as a harsh reminder of the vulnerability of remote regions to nature’s whims.
Despite the formidable challenges, the indomitable spirit of the people of Spiti shines through as communities unite to weather the storm. Local authorities work tirelessly to clear roads and restore connectivity, knowing that each reopened route brings hope and relief to those stranded in this remote corner of the world.
