Dehradun : Heavy snowfall and accompanying rain have brought life to a standstill in Himachal Pradesh, with over 1,200 roads closed across the hill state, severely disrupting connectivity and daily routines.
According to recent reports, more than 1,250 roads (with figures reaching up to 1,291 in some updates) remain blocked due to heavy accumulation of snow, particularly affecting high-altitude and remote areas. The worst-hit districts include Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, and Mandi, where key routes, including several national highways like NH-3 (Leh-Manali) and NH-505, are impassable. This has cut off supplies of essentials, medicines, and fuel in many places, while thousands of households face power outages from damaged transformers and snapped lines—over 5,775 transformers were reported disrupted in earlier assessments.
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The snowfall, marking a significant break from a prolonged dry spell, has been welcomed by farmers and orchardists for recharging groundwater and benefiting crops. However, it has caused widespread inconvenience. Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that the government is working on a war footing, deploying hundreds of machines—including snow blowers, JCBs, bulldozers, and robots—to clear roads as quickly as possible. Efforts are underway to reopen hundreds of routes, with assurances that more equipment will be mobilized if needed.
Despite the chaos, the winter wonderland has drawn crowds of tourists to snow-bound spots like Manali, Shimla, and Kufri. Many visitors brave traffic snarls, long jams (some lasting over 24 hours), and slippery conditions to enjoy the scenic beauty. Authorities have issued advisories urging responsible travel—preferring 4×4 vehicles with snow chains—and avoiding unnecessary outings, especially in higher reaches where more snow is forecast.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to monitor the situation, with alerts for additional rain and snowfall in several districts. While the snow brings economic boosts through tourism, officials emphasize patience as restoration continues amid challenging weather.
This episode highlights the double-edged nature of Himalayan winters: a boon for nature and agriculture, yet a test for infrastructure and preparedness in the region.
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