Shimla. In Himachal Pradesh, more than 1,250 roads were closed across the state due to heavy snowfall and rain on Monday. Tourists from different parts of the country had reached Shimla to see snow but now they are facing difficulties. People who had gone to enjoy the valleys of Himachal are stuck due to road jam. Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh has deployed around 3,500 machines and JCBs to restore the roads. The temperature in Tabo village of Lahaul and Spiti was recorded at minus 10.2 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department has issued ‘Orange Alert’ of heavy snowfall in Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti for Tuesday. ‘Yellow alert’ is in effect with lightning and strong winds in other districts including Shimla, Solan and Kangra. Tourists are facing problems like heavy traffic jams and water shortage.
However, the government is considering this snowfall as beneficial for crops and recharge of water sources. The administration has appealed to tourists to travel responsibly and follow weather warnings.
Thousands of machines at work…
According to PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, the government is putting all its efforts to open the roads. Snow blowers and JCB machines are deployed in many parts of the state. He said that a total of 3,500 machines are employed in Himachal and their number will be increased if needed. Congratulating the farmers and gardeners, the Minister said that this snowfall is no less than a boon for the upcoming crops, especially the gardens in the hilly areas.
Enthusiasm among tourists but difficult journey…
Despite the closure of roads and severe cold, there is a steady flow of tourists. Tourist Daniyal, who came from Delhi, said that he had to face a lot of problems due to traffic and snow, but he is enjoying the snowfall.
At the same time, a tourist named Taiba shared that it had become difficult to get drinking water and tea in the morning. The roads are slippery and the traffic jam situation remains severe, due to which the tourists are quite confused.
Meteorological Department warning!
The Shimla based weather center has predicted heavy snowfall on Tuesday. ‘Orange alert’ has been issued for Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti, where there is a possibility of rain with heavy snowfall.
Whereas, ‘Yellow Alert’ has been issued for Shimla, Solan, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Una. In these areas, strong winds at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour, lightning and cold waves are expected.