Manali Descends into Chaos as Heavy Snowfall Triggers 20-Kilometer Traffic Nightmare
The picturesque roads leading to Himachal Pradesh's beloved tourist destination, Manali, have transformed into a scene of utter gridlock, with vehicles trapped in massive traffic congestion stretching for nearly 20 kilometres. Hundreds of visitors, drawn by the allure of fresh snowfall, flocked to the hill station, only to find their dream vacation rapidly deteriorating into a harrowing ordeal.
Severe Disruptions from Snowfall: Traffic, Power, and Strandings
The heavy snowfall has precipitated severe traffic bottlenecks, widespread power outages, multiple road blockages, and the large-scale stranding of both tourists and local residents. Conditions have become increasingly dire, with reports indicating that the snow accumulation has reached depths of two to two-and-a-half feet in some areas, and temperatures plummeting to as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius.
Social Media Backlash: Instagram Reels and FOMO Blamed for Crowds
Reacting to the chaotic situation in Manali, social media user Rattan Dhillon, who identifies as an off-road enthusiast, made a provocative assertion. He claimed that "banning Instagram reels" would cause at least half of the stranded crowd to vanish. Dhillon argued that in the past, people exercised caution when travelling during extreme weather, but now, many are driven by a desire to "be part of it," often ignoring the risks and potential damage to their vehicles.
"This is pure FOMO syndrome in India," he stated, attributing the issue to the pervasive influence of Instagram media reels. "The fear of missing out or the 'we were there' mindset is pushing people to take unnecessary risks, forgetting basic safety and common sense. Honestly, if India bans Instagram reels, at least 50 per cent of this crowd will vanish," he added.
Long Weekends as an 'IQ Test' in Tourist Hotspots
Echoing similar sentiments, another social media user, Sumit Behal, quipped that "The long weekend is an IQ test in India." He elaborated that the smartest individuals plan their vacations to the most common tourist destinations during long weekends, only to be subsequently shocked by the inevitable traffic jams, exorbitant hotel prices, and overwhelming crowds. "The long weekend is an IQ test in India," he reiterated, highlighting a recurring pattern of poor planning among travellers.
Firsthand Accounts: Tourists and Locals Describe Harsh Conditions
A tourist from Delhi provided a grim account to news agency ANI, stating, "The roads are blocked, and it is extremely cold." Local resident Alam offered further insight into the severity of the situation, noting, "The snow has accumulated up to two to two-and-a-half feet, and the temperature has dropped to minus 10 degrees. We are taking support from bonfires. There are electricity cuts, and the water in the taps has frozen."
Fresh Snowfall Warning from IMD
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh warning, predicting another spell of rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, over Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh on January 26 and 27. On Sunday, the IMD cautioned about a new western disturbance affecting Himachal Pradesh, even as cold wave conditions persisted in several parts of the state.
Cold day conditions were observed in Manali, Kangra, Mandi, and Hamirpur, while cold wave conditions prevailed at isolated places in the Una and Bilaspur districts. The ongoing weather challenges underscore the need for heightened preparedness and caution among travellers and residents alike.
