No snow in lower areas, admin reopens Marhi near Rohtang Pass for tourists

Manali: Marhi, Rahla fall, Gulaba and many other places along Manali-Rohtang highway, which were closed for vehicles in November following snowfall, have been reopened for tourists as snow has melted under the prevailing dry weather conditions.There is no snow in the lower areas near Manali. Hoteliers and taxi operators were demanding to reopen Rohtang Pass during peak tourist season. Although travel to Rohtang is not safe, Kullu administration has ordered to reopen the highway up to Marhi, just below Rohtang pass from Wednesday onwards.Issuing orders, Kullu deputy commissioner Ashutosh Garg said the Manali-Rohtang highway was closed beyond Kothi on the recommendation of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Manali on November 21. “Manali SDM, DSP and BRO officials on December 21 had conducted a recce of the highway up to Marhi and found it suitable for general movement. The road was slippery at some places due to icing, which has been cleared by BRO. The BRO has also agreed to help in traffic movement on the road until next snowfall,” he said.The DC said tourists and local taxi operators will have to adhere to some strict guidelines to be able to travel on this road. He said only four-wheel-drive vehicles will be allowed beyond Kothi between 10am and 4pm while other vehicles will be allowed after 12pm to 4pm. “The SDM and DSP at Manali will have the authority to suspend the traffic movement anytime after consultation with BRO to ensure public safety.”Tourists can see some snow in some areas near Beas nullah. Northern part of Rohtang pass has enough snow, but administration will not allow vehicles to move beyond Marhi due to icing of the road. Also, in case of sudden snowfall, evacuation from Rohtang pass becomes difficult. December has been so far very dry with almost no snow and rain. Even Lahaul valley has a little snow in patches, which will disappear in a few days if it doesn’t snow.Given the increased tourist footfall in Kullu-Manali, the administration has decided to open Marhi as well so that tourists get another snow point besides the north portal of the Atal tunnel which is getting congested with huge traffic movement. The administration is expected a high tourist inflow during New Year’s Eve.

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