Keylong, May 23
The gateway to the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh reopened on Saturday as the administration allowed the movement of four-wheel-drive (4×4) vehicles through the high-altitude Kunzum Pass.
However, the decision has triggered resentment among local residents, who have accused the administration of adopting a discriminatory approach in granting travel permissions.
Residents of Spiti say that although the pass has officially been opened only for 4×4 vehicles, the road condition is suitable even for 4×2 vehicles, tempo travellers and other standard vehicles.
Despite this, locals driving non-4×4 vehicles are being forced to obtain special permission from the Deputy Commissioner’s office to cross the pass.
People in the region have alleged that permissions are being granted selectively and on political considerations, leading to growing public dissatisfaction.
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They questioned why residents of Spiti are being subjected to restrictions while a large number of vehicles of all categories from the Manali side are reportedly being allowed to move freely.
The district administration has maintained that until the Disaster Management Authority and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officially declare the road fully safe for all vehicles, only 4×4 vehicles will be permitted to ply through the pass.
The BRO, including GREF units and private executing agencies, is responsible not only for opening the road but also for repairing damaged stretches.
However, locals alleged that no labourers or repair teams were visible on the Losar–Batal stretch, indicating that proper restoration work has not yet begun.
Residents said the administration was not taking the difficulties of the people of Spiti seriously.
Many villagers depend on the route for transportation of essential supplies, medical needs and daily travel during the short summer season.
Locals have demanded that the administration immediately review the permit system and allow normal vehicles to ply on the route if the road condition permits safe travel.
They also urged the BRO to intensify restoration and repair work on the Kunzum Pass road to ensure smooth connectivity between Spiti and Manali.
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