Heavy Snowfall In Lahaul Spiti, Higher Parts of Kinnaur and Shimla

: Category: Latest; Published: 02 March 2024

HimbuMailNewsService

Shimla/Manali: Heavy Snowfall has enveloped Lahaul Spiti, Kinnaur, and Uppper Shimla and Chamba, Kangra Mandi district for the last 24 hours.

Lahaul and surrounding areas have experienced significant snowfall, with reports indicating depths of over four feet in Sissu alone.

This heavy snowfall has extended to Kharapthar, Baghi, Khadrala, Khirki, Charki, and more regions, painting the landscape in a pristine white blanket.

The temperature in Lahaul and neighboring areas has dropped significantly, with Keylong recording the lowest minimum temperature at -4.5°C. Despite the cold, the snow and rain showers have brought cheer to both farmers and tourists alike.

The weather conditions are attributed to a fresh Western Disturbance expected to impact the Western Himalayan Region starting from March 5th.

This disturbance has not only brought heavy snowfall but also rains across the affected areas. Snowfall measurements include:

- Khadrala: 62.0 cm, - Sangla: 52.5 cm, - Gondla: 45.0 cm, - Kukumseri: 44.8 cm,- Keylong: 38.0 cm.

The Western Disturbance, currently characterized as a cyclonic circulation over East Afghanistan and neighboring regions, is forecasted to move towards the affected areas, continuing its influence with more snow and rain in the coming days.

The induced Low-Pressure Area over northwest Rajasthan and associated cyclonic circulation persist, contributing to the weather conditions.

These precipitation events are expected to replenish glaciers and rivers, which bodes well for power projects not only in Himachal Pradesh but also in Ladakh and Uttarakhand.

Gondla in Lahaul-Spiti has seen over 3 feet of snow, halting traffic on the Manali- Atal Tunnel route. Shimla's Khirki and Chharki in Chopal, Kharapather, Singri in Rohru, Baghi Khadrala in Kotkhai are also drapped in over 62 cm to 20 cms of snow.

The avalanche struck Solang nalla area in uphill of Manali where six vehicles were buried under the debris, but no loss of life was reported.

The wet spell is expected to persist for the next 12 to 24 hours, with thundershowers and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph in the plains and low to mid hills.

Meteorologists predict a gradual decrease in activity from tomorrow morning, with significant reductions by tomorrow evening.

Himachal Pradesh faces disruption, but resilience prevails as communities brace for further challenges.

With heavy snowfall the danger of avalanche has also increased in the coming days.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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Heavy Snowfall In Lahaul Spiti, Higher Parts of Kinnaur and Shimla

- Khadrala: 62.0 cm, - Sangla: 52.5 cm, - Gondla: 45.0 cm, - Kukumseri: 44.8 cm,- Keylong: 38.0 cm.

Gondla in Lahaul-Spiti has seen over 3 feet of snow, halting traffic on the Manali- Atal Tunnel route. Shimla's Khirki and Chharki in Chopal, Kharapather, Singri in Rohru, Baghi Khadrala in Kotkhai are also drapped in over 62 cm to 20 cms of snow.

The wet spell is expected to persist for the next 12 to 24 hours, with thundershowers and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph in the plains and low to mid hills.

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