Heavy snowfall traps tourists in Kullu

KULLU - A group of tourists was trapped in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district on Friday after heavy snowfall blocked all exit points and created a traffic jam.

Scores of tourists reached the hill station of Kullu-Manali to enjoy the winters and usher into the New Year.

Several vehicles, however, got stranded at the Manali-Chandigarh National Highway after heavy snowfall. No casualty has been reported as most of them left their vehicles and hired rooms in various hotels on the outskirts of Manali till the snow clears out.

“We have been stranded here for the past two days. The snow is two feet high and we are unable to find a way out of this place,” said Rajiv Rathi, a tourist from Gurgaon.

Snowfall has disrupted normal life and reduced the number of tourists expected to arrive in Himachal Pradesh.

“We are in a big trouble here because of this snow. We have to reach Mandi now we are trying to get out of here as fast as possible,” said Sharan Kamal, a tourist from Goa.

Electricity and road connectivity have also suffered due to excessive snowfall in the region.

Meanwhile, the Border Road Organization and Public Works Department machinery have taken up the task of clearing the snow as soon as possible. By Prem Thakur (ANI)