Avalanche threat looms in Lahaul-Spiti

Dipender Manta

Mandi, March 4

After heavy snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti district in the last two days, threat of snow avalanches looms in the district. In view of public safety, the district administration of Lahaul and Spiti has issued an advisory for the general public to stay indoors and avoid venturing to snow-bound areas in the next few days.

Multiple snow avalanches occurred yesterday in Lahaul valley at different places, which blocked the flow of Chenab river between Jasrath and Jobrang villages. After long hours of blockage, the water flow resumed in Chenab today, providing a sigh of relief to the residents living downstream. The administration had yesterday issued an alert for people living downstream to remain vigilant because sudden release of water from Chenab could prove dangerous for them.

A snow avalanche occurred at Mijri Nala under Tholong village but no loss of life or property was reported.

Lahaul and Spiti SP Mayank Chaudhary has issued an advisory and mentioned a few places, which are avalanche prone and unsafe for travel. These places are parking area near north portal of Atal tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway, Chandra Bridge near north portal of Atal tunnel, toll barrier area from Chanda bridge towards Sissu, Teling Nala, Labrang Nala, Zero Point, Shurtang Nala, Gomap Thang, Chalang Nala, Ropsang Nala, Khorpani Nala, Thorang Nala, Dalang ground army camp, Lathar Nala, Mooling bridge, 500 m ahead from petrol pump at Hofung, Tandi bridge, Billing Nala and Shakas Nala. He has urged the residents of the district to avoid venturing to these areas in the next few days to avoid any untoward incident.

Deputy Commissioner Lahaul and Spiti Rahul Kumar said, “Due to damage to infrastructure, power supply could not be restored in the district. As weather was clear today, the HPSEB workforce has started the restoration work. It is expected that by evening, power supply will be partially restored at Keylong, the district headquarter of Lahaul and Spiti.”

The DC stated the BRO had started snow-clearing operations within the district. Internal roads are expected to be restored for traffic movement in one or two days.

The DC said that the tourists were safe at Kaza and were staying in hotels and home stays. The Kaza administration has been directed to move all stranded tourists safely out of the district, when roads open for traffic movement. The BRO workforce is working relentlessly to restore the Sumdo-Kaza highway to traffic, which connects Spiti valley with Kinnaur district.