Heavy Snowfall Forces Closure of Key Roads in Lahaul-Spiti
The high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh are experiencing severe cold as snowfall blankets the area. In Lahaul-Spiti, heavy snowfall on the mountain peaks has created a thick layer of snow on roads, making driving perilous. To ensure public safety amid these conditions, the district administration has decided to close several risky routes.
Major Roads in Lahaul-Spiti Shut Until Summer
Rahul Kumar, Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Lahaul-Spiti, has announced the complete closure of two critical routes — the Darcha-Sarchu National Highway-03 and the Darcha-Shinkula Road — starting December 7 (Saturday). These roads will remain closed until summer next year, with no vehicular movement allowed from either side.
DC Rahul Kumar explained, “The extreme cold has led to black snow accumulating on Baralacha Top and Shinkula Top passes. To prevent accidents and avoid travelers being stranded, we have imposed a complete ban on traffic on these routes.”
Strict Enforcement and Penalties
Past incidents of travelers getting trapped due to sudden snowfall on Baralacha and Shinkula passes have underscored the dangers of these routes during winter. The harsh weather makes rescue operations incredibly risky and challenging for teams. Violations of the closure orders will invoke Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which carries penalties including up to one year of imprisonment, fines, or both.
These preventive measures aim to minimize risks during the winter season and ensure the safety of travelers and rescue personnel alike.
