Fresh snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti; traffic beyond Atal tunnel in Manali stopped

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, January 4

Fresh snowfall on Tuesday crippled normal life in tribal district Lahaul and Spiti as it has been snowing heavily in the region.

In the wake of heavy snow, the district administration of Lahaul and Spiti has stopped traffic movement towards the tribal area beyond Atal tunnel on Manali-Leh highway from Manali.

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation has also stopped its bus service between Kullu and Keylong via Atal tunnel.

Bus service on many local routes has been suspended in wake of inclement weather conditions.

Lahaul and Spiti SP said only 4x4 vehicles would be allowed to move between Manali and Keylong via Atal tunnel in emergency cases.

People have been advised to avoid journey on this route as it has been snowing heavily near Atal tunnel and its nearby places.

However, tourists and hoteliers in Manali town are happy, who were waiting desperately for the spell of fresh snowfall.

Nearby places at Manali as Solang valley and Gulaba are receiving fresh snowfall and it is expected that till noon Manali town will also receive fresh snowfall.

A large number of tourists are camping in Manali since December 31 to enjoy the celebrations of winter carnival, which will conclude on January 6.

Hoteliers are expecting good business in the coming days as snow is major attraction for tourists in Manali.