Shimla

Fresh snowfall occurred in the higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh, while low and middle hills received intermittent rains on Thursday, officials said.

Snowfall was witnessed in Shinku La, Baralacha La, Kunzum La, Koksar, Jispa, Keylong and Gondla in Lahaul and Spiti, Sural and Sach Pass in Chamba, and the Dhauladhar ranges in Kangra district.

The fresh snowfall has increased travel risks due to slippery roads at high-altitude passes. Roads from Rohtang Pass to Sarchu, Darcha to Shinku La, and Gramphu to Batal have been closed.

Sural in the Pangi valley recorded three inches of snow, while Sach Pass received around one foot, according to reports reaching here. Sach Pass has also been closed for vehicular traffic.

In view of the adverse weather conditions and safety concerns, officials said the movement of all types of vehicles towards Shinku La, Baralacha La and Kunzum La had been suspended.

Lahaul-Spiti Police have advised tourists and the general public to avoid unnecessary travel during the inclement weather and verify road and weather conditions before heading towards high-altitude areas.

People have also been urged to follow traffic and weather advisories and comply with instructions issued by police personnel to prevent untoward incidents.

Police teams safely evacuated around 100 vehicles stranded near Gondla in Lahaul and Spiti following the snowfall.

The fresh snow has brought cheer to people associated with tourism and allied businesses, who expect an increase in tourist footfall in the coming days.

The change in weather has also led to a significant drop in temperatures in Manali and Dharamshala. The intensifying cold has prompted residents to take out warm clothing and start bonfires.

Local residents said the October snowfall on the high peaks of Lahaul and Spiti and around Manali would benefit glaciers, tourism and agriculture.

Chaman, a local resident, said the snowfall would help sustain local glaciers, while Fateh Chand, who is associated with the tourism business, said it would benefit tourism and agriculture in Manali.

The snow-covered Dhauladhar ranges have also attracted the attention of locals and tourists. Saurabh, a resident of Palampur, said the ranges looked exceptionally beautiful after the snowfall.

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Khadrala has recorded 81 mm of rainfall since Wednesday evening, followed by Dharamshala (28 mm), Palampur (19 mm), Kukumseri (15.9 mm), Nichar (13 mm), Sarahan (10.9 mm) and Bharmaur (7 mm), the local weather office said.

It has forecast a wet spell at isolated places in the state until Saturday.