Shimla, Oct 7,
A week ahead of schedule, the mighty Rohtang Pass and the 13,050-ft-high gateway to Lahaul-Spiti have turned into a white wonderland, signalling an unusually early onset of winter in Himachal Pradesh. The higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts received moderate to heavy snowfall on Sunday night, pushing temperatures sharply down and ushering in freezing conditions across the state’s tribal belt and mid-hill regions.
According to the latest road status report issued by Lahaul-Spiti Police at 12 noon on October 6, key mountain routes — including Darcha–Shinkula, Darcha–Sarchu (Leh NH-003), Koksar–Palchan via Rohtang Pass, and Koksar–Kunzum Top — have been closed to traffic following fresh snowfall and slippery conditions. Around half an inch of snow was recorded in Darcha, while Lossar received nearly one inch. Essential connections such as the Keylong–Atal Tunnel, Tandi–Udaipur, and Sumdo–Kaza roads remain technically open but are witnessing intermittent snow and rain, making movement difficult and risky.
The early spell has sparked anxiety among apple growers in the upper valleys, where fruit-laden branches have bent or broken under the weight of snow just before the harvest. Damage to apple crops and orchards has been reported from several pockets of Lahaul and Kinnaur, with farmers fearing substantial economic losses as transportation routes remain disrupted.
The situation has been aggravated by the residual impact of the Shakshi cyclone, which brought persistent rain even after the formal withdrawal of the monsoon. The prolonged wet spell has delayed Rabi crop preparation and hindered Kharif harvests, while villagers collecting grass and fodder for livestock have been forced to stay indoors. With autumn effectively curtailed, many farmers in the mid-hills are now preparing for early sowing of wheat, barley, and mustard.
Taking cognizance of the evolving weather pattern, the state government has initiated advance stocking of ration, fuel, and essential commodities for snow-bound areas to prevent supply shortages later in the season.
At a high-level winter preparedness meeting held in Shimla, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta directed all departments to remain in alert mode. He asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure at least two lanes of the Kiratpur–Manali National Highway remain operational for the movement of residents and tourists. NHAI officials assured that despite heavy rains and landslides, two-lane traffic has been maintained on most stretches.
The Chief Secretary further instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite restoration of nearly 120 monsoon-damaged roads by the end of October. PWD Secretary Dr. Abhishek Jain said that the department, with technical support from IIT Ropar, is identifying debris management sites and developing climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
Meanwhile, low-lying areas experienced continuous rainfall and dense fog, affecting daily life and slowing down relief and maintenance work. The Lahaul-Spiti District Administration, along with the DDMA and Police, held an emergency review meeting at Keylong to finalize strategies for traffic regulation, snow clearance, and rescue operations in case of worsening weather.
With temperatures dropping rapidly and visibility diminishing, residents, commuters, and students are bracing for tough weeks ahead. The state machinery remains on high alert as Himachal Pradesh prepares to face what could be a long, cold, and early winter season this year.
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