The incessant rainfall in Kullu district of Himachal, which is expected to continue throughout the week, has again brought the water level of Beas above normal. Administration is considering on extending the ban on river rafting in Beas which earlier used to be till September 15 every year.
Rohtang pass, the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti, experienced nominal amount of snowfall on Friday. All high altitude peaks in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti have been receiving heavy snowfall since last 36 hours. According to a release from meteorological department Shimla, entire state has been experiencing heavy rain due to active western disturbances and such inclement weather will remain till one more week.
District tourism development officer Kullu Balbir Thakur said usually the level of river comes to normal after monsoon recedes till September 15 but it’s not so this year. “River is still in spate. Rafting could be dangerous for tourists. Initially we had decided to remove the ban on Friday. But it’s raining heavily again. The ban can be extended in such circumstances,” he said.
Following landslides at Rohtang, the Manali-Leh highway remained blocked for more than 8 hours. Lahaul-Spiti district, which has received less than 50 percent of normal rain so far, is witnessing good showers since Thursday. The temperature in valley has dipped drastically. Potato harvesting in district is at its initial stage and farmers are afraid of snowfall. Similar is the condition in Kullu where apple harvesting is at final stage.
Thick layers of fog on mountains in Kullu and Mandi have reduced the visibility. Both Kingfisher and Air India flights between Kullu and Delhi too were cancelled. An official of Kingfisher in Kullu said flights were cancelled due to heavy rain and fog.
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