This story is from November 20, 2018

Locals collect funds to open Rohtang after BRO says no

Locals collect funds to open Rohtang after BRO says no
Manali: With the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has refused to clear snow from Rohtang Pass, people are finding it difficult to cross under-construction Rohtang tunnel.
Dozens of residents of Lahaul are making long queues near Rohtang tunnel every day. While some manage to cross the tunnel, others are forced to return. With the work on the 8.8km-long tunnel connecting Manali with Lahaul valley beneath Rohtang was still in progress, the tunnel management is not allowing the free movement of people stating that it would not only affect the work, but was also very dangerous.
Former Lahaul-Spiti MLA Ravi Thakur has said that people in need were suffering because of early closure of the Rohtang Pass.
Meanwhile, with the Border Roads Organization (BRO) failing to clear snow from the Manali-Rohtang-Keylong highway, the residents of Lahaul have started collecting donation to hire snow cutters and take matters into their own hands.
Former BDC president from Lahaul Charandass Bhatt started the campaign by donating Rs 10,000. Many panchayats, including Tandi and Mooling, taxi operators and residents are donating for the cause. Sources said they have so far raised over Rs one lakh and have told their intention to the district administration. Residents say they will hire dozers and JCBs to clear snow from Rohtang to resume traffic and provide relief to residents of the landlocked valley.
Bhatt sai dBRO used to clear snow from Rohtang even in December to provide relief to residents of Lahaul, but this time it is not working on the pretext of official closure of Rohtang on November 15.
“There is not too much snow on Rohtang. Our nation is developing fast. In this age it seems odd that our valley remains cut off from rest of the country for six months only because of snow. If the dedicated agency doesn’t want to clear snow, we shall do this ourselves,” he added.
Another resident Madan Lal said, “We are not being allowed to cross Rohtang tunnel. Road via Rohtang is blocked with snow since November 12. Hundreds of people are stuck in the valley or want to go there. Nobody is helping us. Clearing snow ourselves is the only option.”The BRO had earlier said that clearing snow from Rohtang again and again was not possible for the organization and had intimated the Lahaul administration to make arrangements in advance before the snowfall. However, residents say the Pass has little snow that could can be cleared within 2 days and BRO should do this for the people of the valley.
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