HimVani
Shimla (Jan 05) The much awaited chopper services for the snow bond areas in the state was started by Himachal Pradesh Government today.
Intended to facilitate the movement of people in the snowbound area of Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba and Kinnuar District, four sorties evacuated about 67 snow stranded people form Stingri and Udaipur to Bhuntar of Kullu district.
District Commissioner, Lahaul Spiti, Rohitesh Chauhan said four sorties dropped and evacuated as many as 67 people from Satangri and Udaipur area of the district, including one patient who required urgent medical evacuation.
One flight is schedule for tomorrow between Bhuntar and Killar of Pangi subdivision of Chamba district.
He said that government charges Rs 1500 from snowbound people, while Rs 700 were charged from patients.
Normal passengers were being charged for Rs 4200 for single sortie.
Heavy snowfall occurred in the state on Dec 29 and 30, 2010 which closed down the 96 km long strategic Manali-Keylong road, as more than four to five feet snow are lying on 13050 ft high Rohatang pass, while Keylong- Kaza road is also blocked as about three to four feet thick snow is there on Kunzum pass.
Keylong-Killar road is blocked at Sacch pass, as five to six feet snow has bound the road.
Meanwhile, Stangri, Tandi and Udaipur link road is also disrupting due to heavy snow on them.
