Shimla, Oct 7 (UNI) A week ahead of schedule, the 13,050-ft gateway to the Lahaul-Spiti district has been blanketed in a white sheet of snow, intensifying the cold wave in the region.
Fresh snowfall in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti has disrupted normal life, with early snow also damaging apple trees as fruit-laden branches buckled under the weight just before harvest.
The early snowfall, occurring in the middle of the apple season, has deepened concerns among growers in tribal districts. Continuous rainfall triggered by the Shakshi cyclone, following the formal withdrawal of the monsoon, has also delayed Rabi crop sowing and Kharif harvests.
Rural residents engaged in collecting grass and fodder for cattle have been forced indoors, awaiting clearer weather.
In an unusual pattern of autumn chill during the festive season, the state administration is preparing to stock essential supplies early in snow-bound areas.
The Himachal Pradesh Police's Lahaul & Spiti report issued yesterday confirmed closure of key roads including Darcha-Shinkula, Darcha-Sarchu, Koksar-Palchan via Rohtang Pass, and Koksar-Kunzum Top due to heavy snowfall.
Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta yesterday reviewed winter preparedness and road restoration works. He directed officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure that at least two lanes of the Kiratpur-Manali Highway remain open at all times for smooth travel. NHAI officials assured that even the stretches severely damaged by monsoon rains have been reopened to traffic.
Gupta emphasised proactive snow clearance and repair measures to restore around 120 damaged roads by the end of this month. Public Works Department Secretary Dr. Abhishek Jain said that debris management is being planned with environmental safeguards and that IIT Ropar's technical expertise will be leveraged to build climate-resilient road infrastructure.
Meanwhile, low-lying areas faced heavy rainfall and fog, disrupting daily life and relief operations.
The Lahaul-Spiti administration and police have finalised traffic and rescue plans for the coming snow season. With cold intensifying and visibility dropping, students and employees are expected to face hardships, as the state braces for an early onset of winter.