Around 200 trucks stuck at Darcha in Lahaul and Spiti due to blockade of Manali- Leh highway beyond Darcha toward Leh because of heavy snow near Baralacha pass in the region.
Possibility of restoration by this highway is May 20 subject to favorable weather conditions.
Shimla:
Around 200 trucks are stuck at Darcha in Lahaul and Spiti due to blockade of Manali- Leh highway beyond Darcha toward Leh because of heavy snow near Baralacha pass in the region. As a result, more than 350 drivers, helpers and other people are stranded at Darcha in Lahaul and Spiti district.
Deputy Commissioner Lahaul and Spiti Rahul Kumar said Manali-Leh highway beyond Darcha toward Leh in tribal district Lahaul Spiti is currently blocked for movement of heavy vehicles due to snowfall. As of now this route has not been restored by the Border Roads Organisation for heavy vehicles. But these drivers have reached near Darcha without the permission of the district administration.
He said that till Wednesday evening, around 200 heavy vehicles and trucks have been stopped at Darcha Police Check Post, in which more than 350 drivers, helpers and other people are stranded. The district administration has made proper arrangements by providing them necessary food items.
While giving information to the media today, Deputy Commissioner Lahaul Spiti Rahul Kumar said that this route will be restored by May 20 subject to favorable weather conditions. Therefore, truck and heavy vehicle drivers coming to Leh should not proceed beyond Manali. He said that after inspection by the joint team, it has been decided that the movement of trucks will remain restricted until this route is restored by the Border Roads Organisation.
He also said that the district administration should follow the advisory of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and keep getting updated information on it. Contact DDMA helpline number 1077 and 94594 -61355, landline number 01900-202510 -202517 -202509 in case of emergency.
DC said that the road from Baralacha Pass to Killing Sarai is still blocked for heavy vehicles. Therefore, he urged truck operators and vehicle owners not to send vehicles on this route in this situation until it is restored. He also said that only after the movement of the convoy of army vehicles, the permission of heavy vehicles will be given by the district administration on alternate day basis.
Rahul Kumar said that the district administration Kullu has also been requested not to allow heavy vehicles going towards Leh to pass beyond Manali and to allow only heavy vehicles coming in the area of Lahaul.
He also said that vehicle owners and truck unions should also cooperate in making proper arrangements for the heavy vehicle drivers and their assistants who are stuck in Darcha.
