Stay away from avalanche-prone areas near Atal Tunnel: Lahaul-Spiti admn

Kullu: Citing serious safety concerns, the Lahaul-Spiti administration has imposed restrictions on tourist movement and commercial activities in the avalanche-prone zones near the north portal of the Atal Tunnel.The order was issued by Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner and chairman of the district disaster management authority Kiran Bhadana on Thursday evening.The order states that hill slopes on the left side of the north portal of the Atal Tunnel, adjoining area in the immediate vicinity of the tunnel portal, Chandra bridge and its surrounding stretch are highly vulnerable to avalanches and that loss of life has already occurred in the area.These areas are witnessing increased tourist movement and unauthorised commercial activities, which poses a serious risk to human life and may obstruct emergency operations and traffic management in this strategically important corridor, the DC has stated in the order.According to the DC's order, entry of tourists and the general public into these avalanche-prone areas would remain strictly prohibited along with all forms of vending, hawking, temporary stalls, photography points, and other commercial activities.Vehicles will also not be allowed to halt, park, or congregate within this restricted zone, states the order.The superintendent of police, along with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and project authorities, has been tasked with enforcing the order and assisting in hazard assessment and demarcation.Violators will be penalised under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other applicable laws, adds the order that will come into immediate effect and not apply to emergency services, govt officials on duty, BRO personnel, and disaster response agencies.