Punjab Newsline | Shimla/Kinnaur
Heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh, triggering landslides and disrupting essential services in several parts of the state. According to official information, 185 roads remained blocked due to landslides till 10 am on Saturday.
The rain-related disruptions have also affected 104 electricity transformers and 77 water supply schemes. The worst-hit districts are Mandi and Kullu, where the maximum number of roads remain closed.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that rainfall is likely to continue across the state for the next one week. An Orange Alert for heavy rain has been issued for five districts for the next two days. Weather conditions in Shimla also remained adverse on Saturday.
Kinnaur Kailash Yatra Suspended for Second Consecutive Day
Amid continuing bad weather, the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra remained suspended for the second consecutive day. The district administration did not allow pilgrims to proceed beyond the Tangling and Ganesh Bagh base camps on Saturday. Pilgrims had also been stopped at the same locations on Friday.
In view of passenger safety and convenience, the administration has taken an important decision regarding the pilgrimage. Officials announced that the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra will now remain operational only till August 15, after which it will be formally concluded.
According to the official notification, a decision on whether pilgrims will be allowed to proceed from the second base camp at Maling Khatta (Ganesh Bagh) towards Kailash will be taken every night at 11 pm.
Teams deployed at Ganesh Gufa and Maling Khatta will monitor the water level in the nearby stream and the condition of the pilgrimage route. Pilgrims will be permitted to move ahead only if the route is found safe after the late-night assessment.
