Vehicular traffic closed to Shimla & Manali after very heavy snowfall

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NH-21 between Chandigarh and Manali and NH-22 between Chandigarh and Shimla remained closed after very heavy snowfall snapping the communications of two towns from rest of world since yesterday. However basic services like telephone, power and water supply were completely disrupted as life is grim in most snowbound areas in the state but it gave some respite to people as bright sunshine resume after gap of three days today.

Snow was lapping around the trees, roads, buildings, stairs and mountains as it present magnificent view of white canopy. This capital town recorded almost 45 cm snowfall, Kufri 50 cm and Narkanda 70 cm. Hindustan Tibet National highway is closed at many points. There are about 3 feet high snowfall on this highway in Kinnuar district, it is snowbound between Shimla and Narkanda having 45 cm snowfall on the road and between new ISBPT to Shogi. No vehicular traffic was on the road in Shimla town since yesterday.

Snow cutters were in service at many places in the town but there was no information of opening of any road till this noon. Electric supply could be resumed in the heart of town while state electricity board official said that it could be made through by this evening.

Kinnuar is worst affected by the very heavy snowfall, report said that Kalpa had 6 feet high snowfall, district headquarters Recong-Peo 5 feet, Pooh and Chitkul 7 to 8 feet high snowfall. There was no progress into where about two persons reported missing at Rarang village in the snowbound district after avalanche hit five houses yesterday.

SDM of Manali Balbir Thakur told that about 1 meter snow is mounted on Mall road of Manali and it was five to six feet in the high altitude like Meri, Solang nalah and Gulaba whereas Rohtang Pass and Koksar received seven to eight feet fresh snowfall. NH-21 is off for vehicular traffic between Patlikhul to Manali as it is snowbound. A snow cutter has been pressed to open the road soon, but road is opened only for light vehicles last evening later overnight snow also reported fresh disruption in the traffic again.

Report received from Keylong, headquarters of Lahaul & Spiti district said that about 45 cm snowfall occurred in the town which is about 60 cm at Kaza and Kaksar in the district. The life is almost grim in the tribal district which is already cut from rest of the world. Abode of Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj and Bhagsu Nag in Dharamshala got first spell of snowfall as 15 and 20 cm snowfall occurred respectively. Mighty Dhauladhar ranges had heavy snowfall as entire mountain range is clad in thick layer of snowfall visible from the down stream. Report arriving from Chamba said that heavy snowfall has been reported in Bharmor and Pangi. The road joining to district headquarter is still open however most of the roads remained snow bound in the district. Dalhousie is also covered with thick sheet of snow drawing tourists in large number.

In the snowbound areas of state, mobile and telephone services were not working , the power supply is off since last night after snapping power lines and rooting out trees and electric poles at several places including Shimla and Manali, water pipe got log after freezing of pipes and people have to remain in the house without having supply of milk & dairy product and news paper in the town this morning for second day today.

As bright sunshine resume after three days people took some respite as they came out of their home enjoying sunshine but white layer of snow was keeping the mercury level low.

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