Shimla: Fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh’s higher reaches on Friday disrupted road connectivity in tribal Lahaul-Spiti, prompting authorities to suspend traffic on several high-altitude routes due to slippery conditions.Snowfall since Thursday night covered Shinkula Pass, Baralacha Pass, Kunzum Top and other high-altitude areas, making roads unsafe. Police stopped vehicles heading towards Shinkula and Baralacha passes from Darcha, while traffic towards Kunzum Top was halted at the Losar check post.The road from Gramphu towards Chhatru and Kunzum Top was also closed. Rohtang Pass also received fresh snowfall on Friday, even as both the roads to the high mountain pass — from Palchan and Koksar — were also closed.Lahaul-Spiti police said only 4×4 vehicles fitted with snow chains may be allowed in emergencies, depending on road and weather conditions. Tourists and residents were advised to avoid high-altitude travel until conditions improve.Kullu police also advised people against travelling beyond Gulaba towards Rohtang Pass due to fresh snowfall and the possibility of further precipitation.In Chamba district, snowfall at Sach Pass brought traffic on the Bairagarh-Sach Pass-Killar road to a complete halt.The closure of Sach Pass snapped road connectivity between the tribal Pangi valley and Chamba district headquarters. According to officials, the pass would be reopened in the coming two to three days, depending upon the weather conditions.The high-altitude areas of other districts including Kullu, Kinnaur and Kangra also received light to moderate snowfall on Friday.Meanwhile, Kukumseri in Lahaul Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature of -2.4 degrees Celsius on Friday. According to Meteorological Centre, Shimla, light rain is likely at isolated places in the mid hills and light snowfall in the high hills on Saturday.
