Avalanche threat near Atal Tunnel, traffic curbs in place
Dharamshala, April 4 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Shimla has predicted a wet spell over Himachal Pradesh till April 6 even as the Lahaul-Spiti administration imposed immediate restrictions on tourist movement and commercial activity in avalanche prone areas near the north portal of the Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) on Manali-Leh highway.
According to IMD, light to moderate snowfall is very likely over most parts of high hills and adjoining mid hills of the state on April 4 and at a few places on April 5 and 6.
"Light to moderate rainfall is also very likely over most parts of plain areas and mid hills of the state on April 4 and at a few places on April 5 and 6," says MeT update.
Moreover, many spells of light to moderate rainfall and snowfall is very likely over most of the tourist destinations in the state, including Manali, Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda, Solang Valley and Sissu till April 6.
A fresh WD is likely to affect Northwest India from April 7. MeT department officials said that under the influence of another active western disturbance, fairly widespread precipitation is very likely over the state during April 7 to 9.
The weather office has also sounded an orange alert of hailstorm at isolated places over Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts on April 4.
A yellow alert of thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and gusty winds (50-60 kmph) at isolated places over Kullu, Shimla, Solan and Mandi districts till April 7; over Sirmaur on April 4, 6 and 7; over Chamba and Kangra districts on April 4, 5 and 7 and over Una, Bilaspur and Hamirpur districts on April 3, 4 and 7.
Day temperatures are very likely to fall by about 4-6degC over many parts of the state till April 6.
The Minimum temperatures are also likely to fall by 4-5 degrees over the state during the next few days.
Lahaul and Spiti deputy commission-cum-chairman of district disaster management Authority issued the advisory after receiving the reports engineering and police authorities indicating that the areas comprising, hill slopes on the left of the North Portal of Atal Tunnel, adjoining area in the immediate vicinity of the tunnel portal and Chandra bridge and its surrounding stretch, is highly vulnerable to avalanche, snow slides, falling debris andsudden weather related hazards.
These locations, popular among tourists for their dramatic landscapes and snow-covered vistas, have been declared as restricted zones and the entry of tourists and the general public has been strictly prohibited.
Officials said that these areas are witnessing increased tourist movement and unauthorised commercial activities, which pose a serious risk to human life....
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