Massive Snowfall Triggers Tourist Crisis in Himachal Pradesh
Heavy snowfall since Sunday evening has caused widespread disruption in Himachal Pradesh, leaving thousands of tourists stranded in the Atal Tunnel and surrounding areas of Lahaul Spiti. The severe weather conditions prompted urgent rescue operations by local police and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), highlighting the challenges of winter tourism in the region.
Atal Tunnel Chaos: Over 1,000 Vehicles Trapped
In a dramatic turn of events, more than 1,000 vehicles became stuck in the Atal Tunnel on Sunday evening as snowfall accumulated to over 2 feet in the vicinity. The highway connecting to Manali was completely blocked, forcing thousands of travelers to spend a frigid night shivering inside their vehicles, with some enduring nearly 20 hours of confinement.
Manali DSP KD Sharma, who was actively involved in the rescue efforts, reported, "We successfully guided 700 of the over 1,000 stranded vehicles from Atal Tunnel to Manali on Sunday night. The remaining vehicles were safely evacuated by Monday afternoon." In response to the ongoing snowfall, Kullu Police took precautionary measures by closing the Manali-Atal Tunnel highway on Monday, while Lahaul Spiti police issued an advisory urging people to avoid unnecessary travel.
Army to the Rescue in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir
Meanwhile, in the neighboring region of Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, the Army executed a critical rescue operation at Sinthan Top, a popular mountain pass tourist spot. Heavy snowfall and severe weather conditions had blocked paths, stranding 235 civilians and 38 vehicles.
A spokesperson for the Army’s White Knight Corps detailed the operation, stating, "On March 15, we received information about the stranded individuals. Our teams promptly reached Sinthan Top and provided the civilians with hot meals, water, and temporary shelter, ensuring their safety and well-being." This swift action underscored the military's role in disaster response in remote, high-altitude areas.
Weather Alerts and Ongoing Concerns
The meteorological department has issued multiple alerts for Himachal Pradesh, adding to the urgency of the situation. A yellow alert for light rain and snow is in effect for March 17 and 18, followed by an orange alert for heavy rain and snow on March 19. Manali recorded a minimum temperature of 2.9 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the discomfort for those stranded.
Key points from the rescue operations include:
- Over 1,000 vehicles rescued from Atal Tunnel by police and BRO teams.
- 235 civilians and 38 vehicles saved by the Army in Kishtwar.
- Advisories issued to restrict travel in affected areas.
- Continued weather warnings posing risks for further disruptions.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with tourism in mountainous regions during extreme weather, emphasizing the need for robust emergency preparedness and coordination among authorities.
