Pithoragarh: Snow-clearing work is underway on the Adi Kailash route in the high Himalayan region of Pithoragarh after heavy snowfall disrupted road connectivity. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed personnel and heavy machinery to restore movement on the route.
Several feet of snow has accumulated between Kuti and Jyolingkong, where workers are cutting through the snow to reopen the road. Six heavy machines have been deployed between Kuti and Jyolingkong for the clearance operation.
The situation is more challenging on the Kailash Mansarovar route. Around 8 to 10 feet of snow has accumulated along the 12-kilometre motor road between Navidhang and Lipulekh. The BRO’s RCC 65 team is working to clear the route despite sub-zero temperatures and difficult conditions.
According to the BRO, clearing the snow completely and restoring normal traffic on the Lipulekh route could take another three to four days. The road has high piles of snow on both sides, making vehicle movement difficult and risky.
Meanwhile, the snowfall has not stopped pilgrims from visiting Adi Kailash. Around 1,000 devotees reached the Jyolingkong area on Wednesday and had darshan of Adi Kailash. The pilgrims were also seen expressing excitement after seeing the heavy snowfall in the region.
The route to the Adi Kailash temple and Parvati Sarovar is expected to take another two to three days to reopen. Authorities and the BRO have advised pilgrims to assess weather conditions before proceeding and maintain caution during the journey.
Temperatures in the high-altitude region have dropped below freezing, adding to the difficulties faced by personnel engaged in snow clearance. Despite the extreme cold and challenging terrain, BRO personnel and workers are continuing the operation around the clock.
The administration is also continuing the process of issuing Inner Line Permits for pilgrims travelling towards Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. The permit process was underway until Thursday evening.
The ongoing snow-clearing operation is expected to improve access to the pilgrimage route once weather conditions allow. Until then, authorities have urged travellers to follow safety instructions and avoid taking unnecessary risks in snow-covered areas.
