Shimla, Nov 23 (Representative) As winter tightens its grip on the high altitude regions of Lahaul-Spiti of Himachal Pradesh along the India-China border area, the local administration has taken crucial steps to ensure public safety. The District Administration, in coordination with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), officially declared National Highway-505 (NH-505) closed to vehicular traffic. The stretch of road between Gramphu and Kunjum Pass had become increasingly dangerous due to the formation of thick ice layers caused by freezing temperatures. The freezing of water bodies in the region further exacerbated the conditions, making the highway nearly impassable. The closure is set to last until next summer, when the snow clearance operations can begin, with the road expected to remain shut until May 2025. Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar, in an official order, emphasized that starting Saturday, November 23, no vehicles would be allowed to travel between Gramphu and Losar. The decision was made after the increasing severity of the winter, including rapid snow accumulation and dangerously slippery roads, created an unacceptable risk for travelers. The Deputy Commissioner underscored that the extreme cold in the high reaches, combined with the hazardous conditions on Kunjum Top, made travel through this area highly unsafe. The closure is also aimed at preventing accidents, as the combination of icy roads and unpredictable snowstorms has frequently led to incidents of travelers being stranded.
The order also comes with a stern warning: Anyone found violating the traffic ban will face legal consequences under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. This provision carries penalties, including imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both. The law is intended to ensure compliance with safety regulations during periods of extreme weather and hazardous conditions, preventing reckless behavior that could endanger lives. The closure of NH-505 has been a long-standing precautionary measure for the region, as previous winters have shown how quickly conditions can deteriorate in the mountainous terrain. Kunjum Pass, located at a high altitude, is particularly vulnerable to sudden snowstorms, making travel through this area treacherous. In past years, numerous travelers have been stranded for hours or even days, waiting for snowstorms to subside before rescue operations could be carried out. The terrain in these areas is rugged, and rescue missions are both challenging and risky for the workers involved, adding to the urgency of the decision to close the road.
For those needing to travel between Lahaul and Spiti, the Deputy Commissioner has recommended using alternative routes. Travelers can access Spiti through the safer routes of Jalori, Ani, Rampur, and Kinnaur, which remain open despite the harsh winter conditions. These routes, although longer, are considered far safer during the cold months, providing a lifeline for those who must travel through the region. In conclusion, the closure of NH-505 highlights the extreme winter conditions in the Lahaul-Spiti region and the importance of prioritizing safety. With freezing temperatures, icy roads, and the risk of getting stranded, the district administration has made it clear that travelers must exercise caution and plan their journeys using safer routes during the winter months. According to Indian Insurance rules travelling in this forbidden roads are not covered under insurance and it becomes a herculean task to rescue the violators from the high altitude and vehicles remained stuck for months in the frozen zone till clearance of the road.