Photo of Shikari Mata Mandir in Mandi district on Oct 16. Used for indicative purpose only
Snowfall blankets high reaches of Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, Oct 16
In a fresh spell of snow, high reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including Kullu, Lahaul Spiti, Chamba, and Kangra districts, have been draped in a picturesque layer of snow. On Monday, the state witnessed a combination of rain and snowfall.
Reportedly even Jalori pass on the Rampur Kullu route in upper Siraj region has also received season’s first snowfall.
The Manali-Leh National Highway (NH-3) has been heavily affected, with the section between Dharcha and Shinkula currently snowbound. Notably, the state government withdrew the police post from Darcha on October 16. Although NH-3 remains open for vehicular movement between Manali and Sarchu, traffic from Darcha to Sarchu is subject to specific time-based permissions, allowing travel from 09:15 to 10:15 AM. However, no vehicles will be allowed from Sarchu to Leh.
In preparation for the snow season, the police check post at Sarchu has been removed starting October 16, 2023. Meanwhile, the check post at Darcha is expected to remain in operation until November 16. Passengers are strongly advised to exercise caution when traveling from Darcha to Leh due to the snowbound conditions, which pose safety concerns.
The district administration has issued an advisory, noting that heavy vehicles are currently not allowed on this route, and the general public is urged to refrain from unnecessary travel. This advisory is issued in the public interest by the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti. In case of emergencies, individuals are instructed to contact the District Disaster Management Authority of District Lahaul.
On a positive note, NH-505 (Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphu) and SKTT (Sansaar Kilaar-Tindi Tandi) road are open for all vehicular movement. As per road information from the District Mandi Police, the Mandi to Kullu road is also open for vehicle traffic, while the Kullu to Mandi route is designated for light motor vehicles (LMVs) only, operating 24×7.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate snowfall in the high reaches of Lahaul Spiti, Kullu, and Kangra districts. Various regions, including Kangra Dhauladhar ranges, Badabengal, Sachpass Manumesh, Rohtang, Kunzum pass, Lady of Keylong, Gishal hill, seven sisters hills of Lahaul Spiti, Shikari duvi of Mandi, Kinner Kailash of Kinnaur, Chanshal pass of Shimla, and high reaches of Dodra kawar, received fresh snowfall over the past two days.
The Met Office has issued a warning of moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms in some areas of Solan and Sirmour districts. Light to moderate rain continues in Shimla, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kullu, Una, Chamba, and Mandi districts at selected locations.
The post-monsoon rain has intensified the cold wave in the state, affecting both air and road transport. The Delhi-Shimla flight was delayed for a few hours due to dark clouds and fog over the runway.
As of 08:30 hrs, reports indicate that Dalhousie received six mm of rain, while Narkanda and Solan received two mm. Light to moderate rainfall has persisted throughout the morning, partially impacting normal life. Agriculture experts suggest that this post-monsoon rain will benefit early sowing of Rabi crops in the foothills and mid-hills.
In terms of temperatures, Keylong recorded the coldest minimum temperature at 1.4 degrees, a decrease from yesterday. Kalpa in Kinnaur reached three degrees, Kufri and Narkanda measured 7.6 and 8 degrees, Dalhousie recorded 7.6 degrees, Manali was at 6 degrees, Shimla at 11 degrees, Jubberhati at 11.5 degrees, Dharmshala at 15 degrees, Una at 15.5 degrees, Nahan at 16 degrees, Solan at 11.5 degrees, Kangra at 15.4 degrees, Mandi at 13 degrees, Bilaspur at 17 degrees, and Chamba at 13.9 degrees, respectively.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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