Rohtang Pass Reopens for Lahaul-Spiti Residents

Despite the heavy snowfall, avalanches, and rough weather, Border Road Organization (BRO) has re-opened Rohtang Pass, a gateway to Lahaul and Spiti valley after six months. Since the pass was opened on the day of the general election, it was a relief for local residents of Lahaul and Spiti who could now commute through the Rohtang Pass to cast their votes.

Being one of the best holiday destinations in India, many tourists from India and foreign nationalities invest in Manali tour packages to visit Rohtang Pass to evidence the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and clandestine waterfalls as a part of their tour. However, every year due to heavy snowfall, Border Road Organization closes the Rohtang Pass as the winters break for six months and start clearing the roads blocked by the snow in the month of March to reopen it by the April-end or mid of May. As the winters start, the large number of Lahaul residents move down to Kullu Manali and wait for six months for Rohtang Pass to reopen. During the period of six months, Lahaul and Spiti residents are left deprived of any connectivity or communication services.

Rohtang Pass experienced a heavy quantity of snowfall this year as compared to that in the past years. Thus, making this year one with many challenges for Border Roads Organization as it was quite difficult for them to remove the snow and clear the roads in such a short span of time. The reason behind such a rush was Indian general elections. The gateway was needed to be cleared as soon as possible so that Lahaul and Spiti residents could move back to their places and cast the votes.

Although tourists were restricted by the district administration from traveling or taking any vehicle towards Rohtang Pass during winters for the safety reasons, yet they were allowed to travel to Gulaba as a substitute for

Rohtang Pass

One of the Border Roads Organization officers stated that despite so many challenges and odds, they were able to clear off 13,050 ft high Rohtang Pass on 19th May 2019 coinciding the day of the election. The path was cleared by the 4 pm and Lahaul and Spiti residents were safely commuted to their places. Until the Rohtang pass was restored, Lahaul and Spiti people were allowed to move to Lahaul from the Manali side but now they can cover the distance easily via Rohtang Pass. One of the major concerns for Border Roads Organization was the heavy quantity of snow that was required to be eradicated. Also, the risk of avalanches and landslides was higher this year, thus, they were to be quick as well as cautious at the same time which made the job an intimidating one.

The reports claim that the snow clearance team has encountered the job of clearing over 30 to 40 ft of snow in the area around the Rohtang Pass, Beas, and Rani Nullahs. Moreover, they also had to risk their lives to frequent avalanches and consistent rough weather for completing the job.

Another Border Roads Organization official said that it seemed impossible for the snow clearance team to complete the task by the 19th of May since Rohtang Pass experienced heavy snowfall till 17th May. Despite that, the team was successfully able to open the gateway on the targeted date.

As the Rohtang Pass re-opened, it gave a sigh of relief to hoteliers also. They were elated for now tourists staying in their hotels could make the most of their Kullu Manali tourism and would be allowed to drive up to Rohtang Pass and enjoy various snow activities in the area filled with fresh white snow.

Hopefully, local residents of Lahaul and Spiti will now be able to easily commute to Lahaul valley from Kullu valley and tourists will be allowed to move up from Marhi or Gulaba to Rohtang Pass to enjoy thrilling and fun snow activities in the incredible landscape of Rohtang Pass.