The Manali-Atal tunnel highway has been closed for all vehicles following the snowfall in the upper parts of Himachal on Wednesday. The IMD has predicted widespread snowfall in most parts of the state in the next 48 hours.
The entire Lahaul-Spiti district is receiving snow but the accumulation rate is too low. Keylong has received just 5cm of snow while Koksar and Sissu recorded 12cm and 7cm snowfall respectively. Jispa, Darcha and the north portal of the Atal tunnel have also donned a white blanket. Kaza, Kibber, Losar and almost all places in Spiti are also receiving snow. Parts of Kinnaur and the upper parts of Chamba district are also receiving fresh snow.
South portal of Atal tunnel near Manali received nearly 10cm of snow while snowfall had begun at Solang valley in the evening time. Rohtang pass, Kunzum, Shinkula and Baralacha are experiencing heavy snowfall where fresh snow accumulation is expected to be more than 30cm.
With a fresh layer of snow making the highway slippery at Dhundi, the administration has stopped all kinds of traffic movement towards the Atal tunnel beyond Solang. The administration has asked tourists not to take any risk and move to safe places.
Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Sumit Khimta said a travel advisory has been issued following snowfall and low visibility. “The Manali-Keylong highway via Atal tunnel will remain closed till further order. Tourists and local residents are advised to plan travel only after ensuring weather and road conditions. Tourists in Lahaul are advised to stay at safe places until snowfall stops,” he said.
Kullu deputy commissioner Ashutosh Garg said all the officials have been asked to remain available and ready with machinery as an alert regarding snowfall has been issued by the IMD. “People should plan their travels only if it’s important. Tourists should not go to high altitude areas as it can be fatal,” he said.
Mandi district administration has also sounded alert and asked residents and tourists not to go to the higher areas where snowfall is occurring.
The IMD has predicted snowfall in the mid and high hills of Himachal in the next 48 hours. However, it was raining in many areas despite the alert of snowfall which left people disappointed.
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