Punjab Newsline | Chamba
Himachal Pradesh's tribal Pangi Valley has once again been cut off from Chamba headquarters by road following fresh snowfall at Saach Pass and Kahlo Jot in the Churah subdivision late Thursday night.
Vehicular movement on the Bairagarh-Saach Pass-Killar road has been completely suspended after an estimated two feet of snow accumulated at Saach Pass. Snow-covered roads and slippery conditions have increased the risk of vehicles skidding and accidents, prompting the administration to restrict traffic as a precautionary measure.
The closure has added to the difficulties of residents of Pangi Valley, who depend on this route for connectivity with Chamba. Under normal circumstances, the distance between Killar and Chamba via Saach Pass is around 170 km. However, with the route closed, commuters will have to travel via Kullu-Manali or Jammu and Kashmir to reach Chamba.
The alternative routes increase the travel distance to approximately 650–700 km. As a result, a journey that normally takes around one day could now take two to three days, significantly increasing both travel time and transportation expenses.
Meanwhile, fresh snowfall at Saach Pass and Kahlo Jot has intensified the cold across the region. The administration has advised people to avoid travelling towards Saach Pass during adverse weather conditions to prevent accidents.
Saach Pass generally remains closed during October and November due to snowfall and remains inaccessible during the winter season. The latest spell of snow has once again disrupted road connectivity between the remote Pangi Valley and Chamba headquarters.
