Heavy snow, rain good for health of glaciers

ALTHOUGH the Meteorological Centre has described the recent snowfall and rain in Uttarakhand as a "relief," glaciologists caution that these weather patterns should be seen as a critical indicator for vigilance.

- HARPREET BAJWA @ Chandigarh

AROUND 8,000 tourists and 1,500 vehicles, stranded at Solang Nala in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district amid heavy snowfall, have been rescued, police said on Saturday. A snowstorm struck Manali-Leh highway on Friday, halting traffic movement. Vehicles were trapped and tourists stuck.

"The local administration began rescue operations, deploying Kullu police teams. Over 8,000 tourists were evacuated safely to Manali along with their 1,500 vehicles and moved to Manali from the snow-bound Solang Nala," a senior police official said. "Traffic movement towards Solang valley and Lahaul valley on Manali-Leh highway will be restricted near Nehru Kund in view of public safety," the official added.

Sources said that the road is maintained by BRO but it has no facility for evacuation in case of any emergency. "Wheel drive vehicles, snow-cutting equipment and slat are needed to clear the roads in case of heavy snowfall," an official said.