Month: October 2013

First snowfall of winter season in most parts of Lahaul valley has rang the bells of fierce winter this year. Bringing down the mercury to sub zero temperatures, entire Miyar valley of Lahaul including Rohtang pass and Baralacha-la experienced heavy snowfall upto 45cm since Thursday early morning. Rohtang pass received 15cm fresh snow but snow accumulation was 5 to 10cm in Miyar valley. District headquarter Keylong witnessed shower of some snowflakes but Baralacha-la received 45cm fresh snow. Lahaul-Spiti district administration called on a meeting of all departments to review the preparations before getting disconnected from rest of the country for next six months. Essential commodities like LPG, kerosene, medicines, fuel wood, diesel and ration are being stocked as heavy snowfall may block all roads leading to the district any time. Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Beer Singh Thakur said most of the commodities have been stocked while efforts are being made to stock remaining things as soon as possible. “Majority of portion of ration, fuel, firewood, seeds, LPG and medicines has arrived in valley. Remaining commodities like fertilizers are on their way. I had a meeting with officials of all departments on Thursday and reviewed preparations for winter months,” he said. District administration has come into action after sudden snowfall. A detailed plan was made on how relief would be provided to the residents in case of heavy snowfall. Thakur said that some people were putting their lives in danger by driving across the Baralacha pass and they have decided to stop vehicular traffic on Keylong-Leh road after next spell of snowfall. Thakur adds, “We have a little time to make all arrangements before getting disconnected with other parts of the state. Heavy snowfall may cut all road links for many months any time now onwards. Our priority is safety of the