The news of Rohtang Pass being opened for traffic three weeks in advance as compared to previous year has brought relief amongst the local population. (Photo: IANS)

To ensure supply of essentials to residents of Lahaul-Spiti valley, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened the Rohtang Pass on Saturday, three weeks ahead of the schedule.

The snow clearance operation for the opening of Rohtang Pass (13,500 ft) is carried out every year as the pass remains snow-bound for almost six months - from mid November to mid May - thus isolating Lahaul and Spiti districts from rest of the country.

Last year, the Rohtang Pass was kept open till December 12, 2019. The complete valley remains dependent on air maintenance for any external logistics supplies during winters.

On April 11, the Himachal Pradesh government approached MoD/DG Border Roads to expedite the snow clearance to facilitate return of farmers. This was done to start cultivation and movement of essential supplies and relief material to Lahaul valley in wake of Covid-19.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had inducted hi-tech machinery from both Manali and Khoksar side. Snow blizzards, freezing temperatures and frequent triggering of avalanches at Rahala Fall, Beas Nallah and Rani Nallah did delay the operations, but the snow clearance teams kept on working relentlessly day and night with all Covid-19 precautions to provide relief to the residents of Lahaul valley.

Rohtang tunnel opens 3 weeks early coz of #lockdown. First convoy passed thru today. Good work @BROindia impt- construction work on 8.8 km Atal tunnel, under the pass, resumes. #borderroadsorganisation #covid-19 pic.twitter.com/fpS6Yb46vZ — Sandeep (@SandeepUnnithan) April 25, 2020

On April 25, Dr Markanda led the first convoy of vehicles carrying essential supplies and approximately 150 farmers to Lahual valley guided by BRO, thus officially opening the Rohtang Pass this year.

The news of Rohtang Pass being opened for traffic three weeks in advance as compared to previous year has brought relief amongst the local population. It will facilitate the Centre and state government to bring much needed relief material and medical supplies for the local population. Also, the agriculture activities which are the backbone of the district can now recommence.

The ongoing work on the 8.8 km long Atal Tunnel below the Rohtang Pass was also stalled when the lockdown came into force. Since the construction of the tunnel is at a critical stage, proactive measures were taken to recommence the work in active coordination with the state government.

Works on all critical activities ot Atal Tunnel have commenced with all necessary Covid-19 precautions in place to ensure its completion in September 2020 as planned. To augment the government's efforts against Covid-19, all BRO personnel have collectively contributed Rs 1 crore to PM CARES Fund on top of their one day's salary.