District Administration Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti today sealed the road posts at Marhi and Koksar suspending vehicular traffic for this winter season between Manali and Keylong through 13050 feet high Rohtang Pass.
SDM Manali Ms. Joyti Rana said that District Administration Kullu today sealed its road at Marhi for any vehicular traffic to Rohtang Pass. Similarly, barrier post at Koksar in Lahaul-Spiti district was also sealed for vehicular traffic on the snowy pass for rest of the winter.
Spokesman of Kullu district told that Marhi road post has been closed for traffic yesterday meanwhile Koksar post was closed today. The traffic continued on this road unofficially as it closed down from Nov 15, 2015 onward but people could ply their vehicle on own risk as it became slippery due to frequent snowfall.
The Border Road Organizations had already withdrawn its machinery and manpower from this road a week ago, but tourists and locals were using the road amidst frequent snowfall disrupting traffic. Manali-Keylong is the only territorial road which link Lahaul valley with the rest of India.
Now employees and locals have to be airlifted with the help of chopper flight by state government till snow gets cleared from the road.
However people continue to cross Rohtang by foot but they have to register at both police barriers for safety. Lahaul District administration has also removed the valley bridge to stop traffic on the snowy pass. However, Lahaul district administration maintained that it may open traffic on the snowy pass only if weather permits.
Due to the embargo imposed by the National Green Tribunal on the movement of traffic and cutting down traffic frequency for Rohtang pass since March 2015, this road has remained in high controversy. With the sealing of barrier posts on both sides, tourists would not go above Marhi and Koksar on either side to view snow points for proximity.
Meanwhile, all weather tunnels being constructed between Manali and Keylong would likely end this annual phenomenon to clear snow and close it for winters.
