The Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh has opened three weeks in advance this year, not getting postponed even in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. This vital stretch that connects Leh and Manali, was recently opened by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), even before the usual timeline to facilitate the transfer of relief and essential supplies to the people of Lahaul and Spiti.
Reportedly, work on the said stretch, which was covered with snow, started in February. Usually, it remains blocked during the winter due to snowfall and is the only route that connects Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh to the rest of the country.
This year, although snow clearance on the said stretch started as per the usual time, work on it had to be expedited after the Himachal Pradesh Government put forward a request for its clearance. Referring to this, the Army also issued a statement stating that the state government wanted the supply routes to Lahaul eased amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
Officials leading the operation maintained that all precautions and safety measures against COVID-19 were taken care of.
The Rohtang Pass, at a height of 13058 ft, on the eastern Pir Panjal range remains shut every year between mid-November to May, i.e., for around six months due to heavy snowfall. This isolates Lahaul and Spiti district from the rest of the country. The said pass is also crucial for the Army, as this stretch is used for winter stocking of food, rations, equipment, in Siachen and some areas in Ladakh. Further, this stretch is also crucial because of all major troop movements, including units that are deployed across various regions in Ladakh.
Given its importance, the BRO tries to maintain and keep it open as late as possible during the winter. However, the government is now building a tunnel under the Rohtang pass to facilitate year-round vehicle movement.
However, this year, the pass has opened before its usual time frame amid lockdown in order to facilitate the passage of relief and essential goods to the locals of Lahaul and Spiti valleys.
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