Roads In Himachal Pradesh Closed Due To Heavy Rains And Snowfall

Himachal Pradesh experienced extremely heavy rains, leading to major landslides. Traffic on highways and link roads were interrupted while all major rivers and their tributaries are in spate. After three consecutive days of incessant rains, roads in the state interiors were closed to traffic, stranding travellers and commuters. The Chandigarh-Manali and the Pathankot-Chamba highways are the most affected. 

Road linking to Kinnaur district and towns in Shimla district such as Narkanda, Jubbal, Kharapathar, Rohru and Chopal have been cut off owing landslips. A few areas of the Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti districts have also witnessed snowfall. 

Highway connecting Manali with Leh in has been closed for traffic after heavy snowfall in the area. A Met department official has added that there are chances of moderate to heavy rainfall in the state till Tuesday. Satluj, Beas and Yamuna rivers and their tributaries have been in spate in Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur and Sirmaur districts. 

Authorities said excess water was discharged from the Pandoh diversion dam. Located on the Beas river in the Mandi district, excess monsoon water is diverted toward the Pong dam. 

Otherwise, the water is diverted towards the Satluj river which feeds the Gobind Sagar reservoir of the Bhakra dam. However, the inflow of water into state's Pong and Bhakra dam has increased dramatically due to heavy rainfall. Authorities have said that there is no need for worry as the reservoirs still have surplus capacity to withhold additional water.

Furthermore, more showers in the state could aggravate the flood-like situation in neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana.

(With inputs by IANS)