New Delhi: Four people have died in vehicle skidding incidents in Himachal Pradesh, as over 200 roads have got closed due to heavy snowfall in the region. The temperatures are freezing in the higher reaches. Shimla and Manila are covered with white blanket of snow, as visitors flock to the tourist hubs. Despite the ‘white Christmas’ cheer, the snow has increased the woes for vehicles.
Fresh snowfall has covered Shimla, Manali and several other towns in Himachal Pradesh. With the sight turning exhilarating, many people shared images of snow-draped Shimla and Manali on social media platforms. The Meteorological Department has reportedly forecasted rain and snow in isolated areas of the state, particularly in Shimla, from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, with the heaviest downpour expected on Saturday.
Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders’ Association president MK Seth was quoted as saying by PTI that hotel occupancy in Shimla was at over 70 per cent. The snowfall led to a 30-percentage point spike in room bookings, he added.
223 roads closed for traffic
On Tuesday, PTI reported that even though the fresh snowfall across upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh has brought delight to the tourists, at least 223 roads, including three national highways, were closed in the state due to the same, officials said. About 223 roads, including the national highways between Attari and Leh, Sanj to Aut in Kullu district, and Khab Sangam in Kinnaur district and Gramphoo in Lahaul and Spiti district, were closed for traffic.
Hundreds of tourists stuck in their vehicles near the Atal Tunnel were safely rescued by late Monday, according to Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue and Disaster) Onkar Sharma. Sharma asked tourists to follow the advisories issued by the district administration and police, heed local advice, and avoid driving in the snow.
Most road closures (145) were reported in Shimla, followed by 25 in Kullu and 20 in Mandi districts. A number of areas faced power outage after 356 transformers stopped working, the State Emergency Operation Centre said. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that the department is prepared to manage the rush of tourists, pointing out that as many as 268 machines, including two snow blowers, have been pressed into service to clear the roads.
On Monday, reports said four people lost their lives in accidents in 24 hours and several suffered injuries due to vehicles skidding at some places in Himachal Pradesh. According to some reports on Tuesday, upper Shimla was disconnected from the capital due to slippery roads, with only 4×4 vehicles being allowed.
