Fresh Snowfall Blankets Himachal’s High Hills, Brings Cheer but Brings Traffic to a Halt.
Shimla:
Fresh snowfall across the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh yesterday brought joy to farmers, tourists and the tourism industry, even as it severely disrupted traffic and essential services in several districts, including Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu-Manali, Mandi, Chamba and Shimla.
Heavy snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti district led to a complete standstill of vehicular movement, with most internal roads blocked. Police officials said that three tourists stranded in Dalang village were safely rescued after sudden and intense snowfall cut off connectivity in the area.
The higher reaches of Kullu district and Lahaul-Spiti continued to receive heavy snow, forcing the closure of key routes such as the Manali–Leh highway, the Darcha–Shinkula road, and the SKTT road between Tandi and Kadu Nala. Snowfall was also reported near the Atal Tunnel, Sissu and Solang Nala, further affecting movement in the region.
Manali town witnessed fresh snowfall, adding vibrancy to the ongoing Winter Carnival and boosting the mood of tourism stakeholders. Tourists were seen enjoying the snow-covered landscapes, and local tourism operators expressed optimism about an increase in tourist arrivals in the coming days.
In response to the disruptions, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) initiated snow-clearance operations on the Manali–Leh highway to restore connectivity. Meanwhile, lower areas of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts experienced intermittent rainfall.
Temperatures across Kullu-Manali and Lahaul-Spiti dropped sharply following the snowfall. District administrations have urged residents and tourists to avoid traveling to high-altitude and snow-bound areas until weather conditions stabilise, citing safety concerns.
Similar weather conditions prevailed in Mandi district, where high-altitude regions such as Shikari Devi, Kamrunag valley, Prashar Lake, Janjehli and Karsog received heavy snowfall, while lower areas experienced rainfall. The precipitation brought much-needed relief to farmers and horticulturists who had been awaiting rain and snow to support crops.
According to the District Disaster Management Authority, Mandi, as many as 64 roads have been blocked, and 901 electricity transformers have been disrupted, affecting power supply in several rural areas of the district.
Heavy snowfall reported in Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, where tourists were seen enjoying with snow at mall road and ridge.
Overall, the fresh spell of snow and rain has transformed the winter landscape across central and tribal districts of Himachal Pradesh. Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation while working to restore road connectivity, power supply and other essential services.
