Snowfall disrupts public utilities across Himachal; 482 roads blocked, power and water supply hit
Shimla, January 30
Heavy rainfall and snowfall across Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours have severely disrupted public utilities, blocking hundreds of roads and affecting power and water supply systems, according to an evening status report issued by the State Emergency Operation Centre on Friday.
As per the SEOC report compiled at 6:00 pm on January 30, a total of 482 roads, including three National Highways, were blocked across the state. In addition, 436 distribution transformers (DTRs) were disrupted, and 62 water supply schemes remained affected by snow and rain.
Chamba district has been among the worst hit, with 35 roads blocked, 50 DTRs disrupted, and 10 water supply schemes affected, particularly in Bharmour and Pangi subdivisions. Kullu district reported 57 roadblocks, including stretches of NH-03 and NH-305, and power supply was severely affected, with 187 DTRs disrupted due to snow and rain.
The Lahaul and Spiti district remained cut off, with 273 roads blocked, including NH-03 and NH-505, which were closed at multiple locations, including Rohtang Pass, Darcha-Sarchu, and Gramphu-Batal. In Mandi district, 67 roads were blocked, 57 DTRs disrupted, and two water supply schemes were affected.
In Shimla district, snowfall led to the blockage of 40 roads, disruption of 116 DTRs, and damage to 50 water supply schemes, particularly in the Chopal, Rampur, and Dodra Kwar subdivisions. Kinnaur district reported four blocked roads and two disrupted transformers, while Kangra reported two blocked roads in the Baijnath and Fatehpur subdivisions.
Sirmaur district reported one blocked road and 13 disrupted DTRs, while Una district reported three blocked roads. Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Solan districts reported no major disruptions to roads, power, or water supply.
The SEOC said restoration work is underway on a priority basis, with concerned departments deployed to clear roads and restore essential services as weather conditions permit. Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in the higher reaches, and to follow district administrations' advisories.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Visiting from Canada and was in Shimla last week. The scenery is beautiful but the infrastructure seems very vulnerable to weather. Hope the restoration work is swift and everyone stays safe.
Every year it's the same story in Himachal during winter. 482 roads blocked is a huge number. While weather is unpredictable, our disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure need serious improvement. Jai Hind.
Salute to the ground staff working in such harsh conditions to restore services. It's easy to criticize from our warm homes. They are the real heroes. ❄️🛠️
Water supply schemes damaged in so many subdivisions... that's the most critical issue after roads. Without water, survival becomes extremely difficult in those remote villages. Authorities must prioritize this.
The scale of disruption is massive. Three national highways closed. This must be hitting the local economy hard, especially with transport of goods. Wishing strength to the people of Himachal.
Respectfully, while restoration work is on, we need a long-term solution. Can't have entire districts cut off every winter. Maybe better tunnels, more weather-resistant power lines? Just a thought.
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