Manali-Atal Alert: ‘Nature’s white trap’ in March, 3 feet of snow near Atal Tunnel, highway closed after 1500 vehicles got stuck

News India Live, Digital Desk: Nature has once again shown its fierce form in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh. Heavy snowfall around Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel for the last 48 hours has brought life to a complete halt. The situation is such that about 3 feet of snow has accumulated on the south and north portals of the tunnel. Due to this sudden snow storm, about 1500 tourist vehicles got stuck midway, which were rescued by BRO and local police after an overnight rescue operation. Keeping security in mind, the administration has closed the Manali-Atal Tunnel Highway near Nehru Kund indefinitely. Snowy ‘Death Trap’: Zero visibility and heavy traffic. Snowfall that started on Friday evening made the roads extremely dangerous within a few hours: Slippery and black ice: The thin layer of snow on the roads turned into ‘black ice’, due to which the vehicles started colliding uncontrollably. Stranded Tourists: Hundreds of tourists returning from Sissu and Lahaul valley were stuck inside and outside the tunnel for about 20 hours. Amidst the severe cold and lack of oxygen, tourists had to spend the night in their vehicles. Rescue operation: Border Roads Organization (BRO) teams, along with Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti police, removed snow, cleared the road and took the stranded elderly and children to safe camps. Administrative strictness: ‘Barrier’ installed on Nehru Kund. Kullu district administration took strict decisions keeping in mind the safety of tourists. No-entry zone: All vehicles going beyond Manali have been stopped at Nehru Kund and Solang Nala. At present, only 4×4 (four by four) vehicles and local residents are allowed to go in case of emergency. Advisory issued: Police has warned tourists not to go towards high passes in search of adventure. The Meteorological Department has given an orange alert that ‘wet spell’ (rain and snowfall) will continue in the hilly areas till March 25. Contact with Lahaul Valley lost. Due to the closure of Atal Tunnel, Lahaul Valley has once again been cut off from the world. More than 130 roads within the valley are closed and many villages are in darkness due to damaged power transformers. BRO machines are continuously busy in removing snow, but intermittent snowfall is hampering the work. Guidelines for Tourists (Checklist for Travelers) If you are planning to go to Manali, then keep these things in mind: Status Check: Before leaving, check the road status by calling the helpline number of District Disaster Management (DDMA). Essential Supplies: Always keep warm clothes, extra fuel, water and dry food in your vehicle. Tyre Pressure: To drive on snow, keep tire pressure low and use snow-chains if possible.