THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 26: While cold waves are wreaking havoc in the plains, the hills are experiencing heavy snowfall. Temperatures have dropped well below the freezing point, causing challenges for tourists visiting Shimla and Manali for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In Himachal Pradesh, heavy snowfall has led to the closure of 134 roads, including three national highways.
Due to these closures, around 8,500 tourists were stranded between Sissu and Koksar in Lahaul, near the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang, while another 1,500 were stuck in Kufri. The administration conducted rescue operations throughout the night to evacuate the stranded tourists.
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Traffic restrictions amid heavy snowfall
In light of safety concerns, the administration has restricted the movement of tourist vehicles from Shimla’s Dhalli to Kufri and from Manali’s Solang Valley to Lahaul. Only four-wheel-drive vehicles are being allowed to proceed.
With the Christmas and New Year season attracting large crowds to the hills, heavy snowfall has caused significant disruptions. Last night, approximately 1,500 vehicles were stranded inside and outside the Atal Tunnel, leading to a massive traffic jam.
Additionally, snowfall has disrupted 65 transformers, resulting in blackouts across several areas.
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