NEW DELHI: The crucial Rohtang pass , which remains snow-bound for almost six months every year at an altitude of 13,500-feet, was on Saturday thrown open by the Border Roads Organization three weeks in advance amidst the nationwide lockdown.“BRO teams, inducting high-tech machinery from both the Manali and Khoksar sides, worked day and night to expedite the snow clearance operation after the Himachal Pradesh government approached us on April 11. It will facilitate the return of farmers to start cultivation as well as movement of essential supplies and relief material to the Lahaul Valley in wake of Covid-19,” said director-general Lt-General Harpal Singh.The Rohtang Pass remains snow-bound from around mid-November to mid-May every year, isolating the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal from rest of the country. “The complete valley remains dependent on air maintenance for any external logistics and supplies during winters,” said an official.The ongoing work on the 8.8-km long Atal Tunnel below the Rohtang Pass had also been stalled when the nationwide lockdown came into force. “Since the construction of tunnel is at a critical stage, proactive measures were taken to recommence the work in active coordination with the state government. It should be completed by September 2020,” he said.