Chhota, Bara Bhangal cut off after snowfall

Our Correspondent

Palampur, January 5

Upper reaches of Dhauladhar hills and Chhota and Bara Bhangal areas of the Palampur region experienced heavy snowfall in the past 24 hours while lower areas were lashed by heavy rain.

The entire region is in the grip of a severe cold wave. Chhota and Bara Bhangal have been cut off from the rest of the state following heavy snowfall at Thamsar Pass, located at a height of 19,000 feet.

Reports said that nine inches of snow was recorded at Billing, a major tourist resort, this afternoon and seven inches of snow at Kothi Kohar in Chhota Bhangal.

Normal life in the Palampur region has been adversely affected. Power supply and transport services have also been hit. Many parts of Palampur, Baijnath, Jaisinghpur and adjoining areas remained without power for hours following a snag in the transmission lines feeding many parts of Kangra.

Vehicular traffic to Chhota Bhangal and Billing has come to a standstill following heavy snow. No bus could reach the upper areas of Chhota Bhangal today. The administration has also suspended paragliding at Bir-Billing. Tourists have been advised not to visit Billing as the road is covered with snow at many points.

Hundreds of light and heavy vehicles are stranded at Multhan, Kothi Kohar, Luhardi, Billing and Barot. Many villages are without power supply since last night after uprooted trees fell on power supply lines.

According to the Met Department, heavy snowfall and rain is expected in the next 24 days and the administration has made elaborate arrangements to meet any situation.