Shimla, Dec 29,
Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh has been experiencing continuous snowfall for the past two days, creating a challenging situation for residents and travelers. The district has recorded up to 2 feet of snow in some areas, resulting in a significant drop in temperature and an increase in cold conditions.
The heavy snowfall has disrupted life across Kinnaur. Most of the district’s connecting roads are closed, with 19 roads blocked in Kalpa subdivision, 57 in Pooh, and 13 in Nichar. Vehicle movement on these routes has completely stopped. Additionally, 46 DTRs in Pooh, 31 in Kalpa, and 25 in Nichar are out of service, cutting off electricity supply in many villages. Essential services like drinking water have also been affected, with five water sources in Kalpa and one in Nichar impacted.
Late Friday night, the connectivity between Spiti and Kaza regions was severed due to vehicles skidding near Maling Nala on NH 505.
About 85 tourists were stranded between Maling Nala and Chango but were safely rescued by the police, local residents, and BRO soldiers. NH-5, which connects the district to other regions, is blocked near Pooh due to continuous snowfall, and falling stones from hills near Nigulsari old point have further hindered road clearance efforts.
Several areas in the district, including Lippa, Asrang, Kanam, Labrang, Ropa Valley, Namgya, Dubeyling, Hangrang Valley, Thangi, Kunnu Charang, Chitkul, Rakcham, Nesang, and Chango, remain completely snowbound.
Executive Deputy Commissioner of Kinnaur, Dr. Shashang Gupta, has urged tourists to travel cautiously and keep weather conditions in mind. He has advised adhering to guidelines issued by the administration, especially as the road to Kaza is heavily affected.
Efforts are ongoing to restore connectivity, but the continuous snowfall, blocked roads, and disrupted electricity supply highlight the severity of the situation in Kinnaur.
Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.
