Tourists in Himachal Pradesh can now rejoice as the popular destination of Marhi has been reopened for visitors, providing a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty and snow of the region. However, access to the renowned Rohtang Pass remains restricted for the time being, with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) working diligently to restore the area.
The administration has officially announced the reopening of Marhi, a well-known spot located near Manali, allowing tourists to experience the winter wonderland that the area has to offer. This reopening comes as the BRO has successfully restored the road leading to Marhi, enabling vehicles to traverse the route under specific conditions. The District Commissioner of Kullu, Torul S. Ravish, confirmed that the road to Marhi is now accessible for tourists.
"Today, Marhi has been opened to tourists," Ravish stated, noting that while visitors can now reach Marhi, they will have to wait a bit longer for the Rohtang Pass to open. The BRO is currently engaged in snow-clearing operations to facilitate access to Rohtang, which is expected to welcome tourists soon.
In a proactive move, the district administration has established a temporary barrier in Marhi under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 to manage vehicle movement effectively. Police and BRO representatives inspected the road to ensure proper arrangements, including parking facilities, mobile toilets, and waste disposal units, were in place before allowing vehicular traffic.
It is important to note that while Marhi is now open, the road leading to Rohtang Pass remains closed until further notice. The BRO has also announced that the Rohtang road will be closed every Monday for maintenance and repair work.
As the summer season kicks off, the region is expected to see an influx of tourists, eager to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas. The reopening of Marhi is particularly significant as it allows visitors to enjoy the snow, which is a major attraction in the area. The district administration has emphasized that tourists should adhere to the guidelines set forth to ensure their safety and the smooth operation of the area.
Meanwhile, weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh are expected to remain clear for today, April 22, and tomorrow, April 23, but a Western Disturbance is set to become active again from April 24 to April 27. This could bring rain and hailstorms, raising concerns among farmers and gardeners about potential crop damage.
Over the past few days, hailstorms have already wreaked havoc on crops in various regions of the state, including Shimla, Chamba, and Kullu. Reports indicate that crops such as apples, peas, tomatoes, and plums have suffered significant damage due to the adverse weather conditions. The temperature in Chamba has plummeted to 12.7 degrees below normal, while Manali's temperature has dipped to 8.3 degrees below normal, reaching just 14.2 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that while today and tomorrow will see some sunshine, the return of the Western Disturbance could lead to adverse weather conditions, particularly in higher altitude areas. Farmers are particularly worried as the drop in temperature affects the flowering of apple trees, which is crucial for a good harvest.
In Lahaul and Spiti, fresh snowfall has once again disrupted normalcy, prompting the district administration to restrict tourist movement beyond Darcha towards Shinkula Pass and Dipak Taal on the Manali-Leh Highway. Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti, Rahul Kumar, stated that these restrictions are necessary to ensure public safety due to the accumulation of snow and slippery road conditions.
These restrictions come shortly after the BRO had reopened the Darcha-Shinkula-Padum route, which connects Lahaul Valley with the remote Zanskar Valley in Ladakh. This route had seen a surge in tourist traffic following its reopening, with many eager to explore the breathtaking views and partake in snow-related activities. However, the recent snowfall has once again blocked these routes, halting tourist movement.
"The weather is proving to be a major challenge. BRO teams are working around the clock to restore the blocked roads, but the snowfall has slowed down progress," Kumar added, emphasizing that public safety remains the administration's top priority. Other critical roads in the region, including the Manali-Leh Highway beyond Darcha towards Sarchu and the Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphu highway, continue to remain closed.
As restoration efforts are underway, local tourism stakeholders and travelers are anxiously awaiting the reopening of these vital routes. These roads are essential not only for military logistics but also for tourism, particularly as the summer season approaches. The BRO and local authorities are urging travelers to stay updated with advisories and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.
In summary, while Marhi has reopened and offers a delightful experience for tourists, the situation remains dynamic with weather conditions affecting accessibility in various parts of Himachal Pradesh. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly and remain patient as the region navigates these challenges.
