Himachal Pradesh: Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday has increased the problems of the people. The white wrap of snow on the mountains certainly looks beautiful, but everyday life has scrutinizingly come to a standstill. There is no electricity in many areas, roads are sealed and it has wilt difficult for people to leave their homes.
How bad are the conditions?
According to the State Disaster Management Department, at present increasingly than 680 roads are sealed in the state. These moreover include two national highways. Contact with many villages has been completely cut off. There is two and a half to four feet of snow unifying in the upper upland areas, due to which it is taking a lot of time to unshut the roads.
The machines of the Public Works Department are working continuously, but due to unprepossessed and snowfall again, the speed is slow.
What problems are people facing regarding electricity and water?
The biggest slipperiness without snowfall is electricity. Increasingly than 5,700 transformers have been shut down. There was darkness in many areas of Shimla for increasingly than 30 hours. The situation is increasingly serious in rural areas. There is little hope of getting electricity there for the next few days. Water supply has moreover stopped at many places, due to which people have to bring water from far yonder places.
What is the condition of roads and traffic?
More than 1,200 bus routes have been sealed in the state. There were traffic jams for hours at many places in Shimla and Manali. Due to slippage, normal vehicles have been stopped and only four-wheel momentum vehicles are stuff unliable to run.The situation is said to be worst in Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and Sirmaur districts.
What difficulties are tourists facing?
About 600 tourists got stuck on the way to Manali. Many people had to spend the night in their vehicles as the road to the hotel was closed. Some tourists say that private taxi drivers are taxing Rs 10 to 15 thousand plane for short distances.12 tourists stranded near Raghupur Fort in Kullu district were safely rescued by the local people. Everyone is fine.
What are the concerns of hoteliers?
After the snowfall, the number of tourists has increased and hotel bookings are going well in Shimla, but hotel owners are worried due to lack of electricity. In many hotels, work is stuff washed-up by running generators, due to which the expenses have increased significantly. Hotel businessmen say that if power is not restored soon, it will be difficult to handle the guests.
What preparations has the government made for the future?
The Meteorological Department has then warned of rain and snowfall between January 26 and 28. Without this, the government has asked all the districts to remain alert. Emergency tenancy rooms will work 24 hours. Road cleaning machines have been kept ready and departments related to essential services have been put on alert.
The government has appealed to the people not to travel towards the mountains unnecessarily and not to take the weather lightly.
