Shimla, Apr 10
In the serene expanse of Lahaul Spiti district, nestled within the breathtaking Himalayan mountains, a unique and challenging scenario is unfolding. Currently partly disconnected from the rest of the world due to the formidable ten to fifteen feet high snowfall on key roads, this district is gearing up for crucial bye elections and parliamentary polls slated for June 1st. The district, a part of the Mandi Parliamentary constituency, is witnessing a political battle between Bollywood actress and BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut, scion of the Royal Rampurbushair Dynasty and Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh. The BJP has also declared Ravi Thakur, a Congress dissident, as its candidate for the assembly bye-election.
At the heart of this electoral drama lies the logistical challenge faced by the Election Commission of India: to navigate the treacherous snow-clad roads to enable political campaigns. The famed Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass, essential arteries connecting Lahaul Spiti to the rest of the world, stand impassable. Additionally, the roads beyond Sarchu and between Keylong to Pangi are deemed unfit for traffic, painting a stark picture of isolation for the residents and candidates alike.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) shoulders the herculean responsibility of clearing these snowbound lifelines. The Manali-Leh National Highway-3, the lifeline for connectivity to Leh, and the Keylong-Tandi-Baralacha-Killar route, vital for the district’s mobility, are under BRO’s careful watch. Furthermore, the Manali-Koksar-Kunzum Pass-Kaza road, crucial for inter-district travel, remains a focal point for restoration efforts.
In a recent update from the District Post Meta, it is revealed that many roads in Lahaul Spiti have been cleared, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the snow-laden challenges. The Manali-ATR roads, crucial for intra-district connectivity, have seen partial restoration. This progress comes as a relief for residents and political parties alike, as the clock ticks closer to the election date.
However, looming over these efforts is the specter of impending snowfall forecasted from April 13th to April 16th. The fragile balance of restored roads could once again be buried under fresh layers of snow, intensifying the race against time for the BRO and election campaigns alike.
Today, on 10/04/2024, the Police Checkpost at Darcha was opened, representing an integral part of our firm commitment to successful rescue operations, strengthening security measures, and maintaining law and order in our district, said Mayank Choudhary, Superintendent of police of the district. He said that strategically located within the district, the Darcha Checkpost has been established with the aim of increasing vigilance and peace during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 and Assembly Bye-elections 2024, and to ensure the safety and careful checking of vehicles and pedestrians passing through this important corridor. “Lahaul Spiti Police is always fully committed to promoting an environment of safety and security. Your safety is our priority. Thank you for your cooperation,” he stated.
Stay safe on the roads and always follow traffic rules, stated the SP.
As Lahaul Spiti braces itself for the democratic exercise ahead, the interplay between politics and nature’s whims takes center stage. The candidates, their teams, and the BRO soldiers on the ground are united by a common goal: to ensure democracy reaches every corner, even amidst the formidable Himalayan winter.
The stakes are high, the challenges immense, but the spirit of Lahaul Spiti remains resilient, ready to weather the political storm and the snowfall alike.
