In relief to residents of the Lahaul-Spiti Valley, BRO opens Rohtang Pass three weeks ahead of schedule

The news of the opening of the Rohtang Pass ahead of schedule is a great relief to the local population as it will make it easier for the Center and the state government to transport much-needed relief supplies and medical supplies for them.

The Rohtang strategic crossing on the axis of the Manali-Leh highway in Himachal Pradesh was opened on Saturday, three weeks before normal hours, by the Border Highway Organization (BRO).

Dr. Ram Lal Markanda, Himachal Pradesh’s Minister of Agriculture and Tribal Development and Secretary of Food and Civil Supplies, led the first convoy of vehicles carrying essential supplies and some 150 farmers to the Lahaul Valley.

The news of the opening of the Rohtang Pass has brought relief to the local population. It will make it easier for Union and State governments to bring much-needed relief supplies and medical supplies to the local population. In addition, agricultural activities in the district can now be restarted.

The snow removal operation for the opening of the 13,500 foot Rohtang Pass is carried out every year. The pass remains snowy for almost six months, from mid-November to mid-May, thus isolating Lahaul and Spiti from the rest of the country. Last year, the Rohtang Pass remained open until December 12. The valley remains dependent on air maintenance for any external logistics or supplies during winters.

According to Lt. Gen. Harpal Singh, on April 11, Markanda approached the BRO to expedite snow clearing to facilitate the return of farmers to begin cultivation and the movement of essential supplies and relief supplies to the Lahaul Valley in the wake of COVID-19.

“BRO induced high-tech machinery from the Manali and Khoksar side. Snow blizzards, freezing temperatures and frequent triggering of avalanches in the fall of Rahala, Beas Nallah and Rani Nallah delayed operations, but snow removal teams continued to work tirelessly day and night, “Lt. Gen. Harpal said.

Meanwhile, work in progress on the 8.8 km Atal Tunnel below Rohtang Pass, which also stopped when the blockade went into effect, has started again.

Since construction of the tunnel is at a critical stage, proactive steps were taken to resume work in active coordination with the state government, BRO officials say. Work on all critical Atal Tunnel activities has begun with all necessary COVID-19 precautions to ensure completion in September as scheduled.

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