Heavy snowfall has been occurring since Sunday night in Rohtang, along with the Baralacha and Shinkula passes. These passes have already received over a foot of snow. Due to the snowfall, vehicles bound for Leh and Zanskar are stranded in Darcha, while vehicles returning from Leh to Manali have also stalled in Upsi and Sarchu. Snowfall began on Sunday, but instead of Rohtang, vehicles headed for their destinations at Shinkula and Baralacha passes due to reduced snowfall. On Monday, the snowfall intensified, disrupting traffic.
The Lahaul-Spiti Police have relocated the temporary outpost established in Sarchu to Darcha to assist tourists and drivers traveling to Leh-Ladakh. Seeing the increasing snowfall, police personnel have moved from Sarchu to Darcha. The removal of the outpost has increased the risk for those traveling to Leh-Ladakh. Although a few dhabas and a temporary BRO transit camp remain available in Sarchu, the absence of a police post will require drivers to travel more cautiously on the Leh route.
Rohtang Closed for Tourists
Rohtang Pass, a popular tourist destination, was closed to vehicular traffic on Monday. All vehicles were stopped at Gulaba. DSP Manali KD Sharma stated that heavy snowfall is occurring at Rohtang Pass. He urged tourists not to venture beyond Gulaba. He added that tourist movement on the pass will depend on the weather.
Snowfall poses a threat to the apple crop in the Lahaul Valley
Snowflakes have become a threat to the apple crop in the Lahaul Valley. The snowfall has increased the risk of branches breaking off apple-laden trees. Gardeners Kaljang, Paljor, Ashok, and Dorjee stated that the continuous snowfall in the valley is adding to the problems for the gardeners. He said that earlier due to rain the vegetables could not reach the markets and now snowfall is increasing their problems.
