Rohtang Pass Opens Early To Transport Essentials

by Suchismita Pal
Rohtang Pass Opens Early To Transport Essentials

Rohtang Pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, that connects Leh and Manali, has opened up before its usual season amid coronavirus crisis. The route remains closed during the wintertime due to heavy snowfall and reopens in summer, in the month of May. However, this year, the authorities are allowing movements through the pass from the end of April to provide essential supplies to Lahaul and Spiti of Himachal Pradesh. Read on to know more.

What’s Exactly Happening?

Border Roads Organization ( BRO), that operates under the Ministry of Defence, has allowed access to Rohtang Pass three weeks earlier than the usual time this year to supply relief material to the Lahaul and Spiti residents. Snow clearance along the high mountain pass had started off at the normal time in February, but the process was completed beforehand to facilitate the early opening of the pass. BRO has opened the pass on April 25 2020, permitting the movement of farmers and necessary items. The officials have assured that they maintained all the safety protocols while carrying out the snow clearing activity within the pass. Agricultural activities form a vital part of Lahaul district. So, the earlier opening of the pass has been a boon for the people over there.

Rohtang Pass
Picture Credits: iStock

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What Else?

Rohtang Pass is the only route that joins Himachal’s Lahaul and Spiti to the rest of the nation. It also has a special significance for the Indian army. This is the path used to stock up ammunition, food, etc. for winter months. Apart from that, major troop movements across LAC, Siachen and other areas of Ladakh also take place through this pass. BRO has even contributed ₹1 crore to PM-Cares Fund to help in the fight against COVID-19.

Rohtang Pass
Picture Credits: Justdial

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The pass, located at a height of about 13,500 feet, has opened only to cater to the unavoidable needs now. We hope for the normal days to take over soon so that it becomes accessible to the tourists as well.