Heavy snow halts traffic at Manali-Leh highway

Himachal records 79% winter rainfall deficit

- HARPREET BAJWA @Chandigarh

THE Manali-Leh Highway has been closed for vehicular traffic following heavy snowfall in higher areas of several districts in Himachal Pradesh, cutting off Lahaul Valley from the rest of the state and leaving both locals and tourists stranded.

With snow accumulation reaching up to 60 cm on the road connecting the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel to Keylong-Jispa, the route has become impassable due to severe weather conditions in the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti.

In response, the Lahaul-Spiti police have issued a travel advisory urging all travellers to avoid the Manali-Leh route until further notice.

The closure has significantly impacted transportation, halting vehicular movement on the stretch.