Continuous rain, strong winds and fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of the Pir-Panjal mountain range have hampered efforts to reopen the vital route connecting the remote tribal region with the district headquarters.
Around 1.5 feet of fresh snowfall was recorded in the Sach Pass area, while adverse weather conditions persisted through this week, slowing down operations.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has continued snow clearance work despite challenging conditions.
A major avalanche struck at Karthnala near Satrundi on the Churah side, disrupting ongoing operations. Workers and machinery operators engaged in restoration work managed a narrow escape. Some machinery reportedly sustained minor damage, forcing a temporary halt.
Officials said nearly 85% of the 67-kilometre stretch has been cleared of snow, with restoration work progressing simultaneously from both ends.
However, a nearly 10-km stretch remains to be cleared due to heavy accumulation of snow. This portion is considered the most challenging, as massive glaciers have to be cut through.
Located at an altitude of around 14,500 feet, Sach Pass remains closed for nearly seven months every year due to heavy snowfall. Snow clearance operations this season began on April 12, with teams required to cut through nearly 17 glaciers besides several feet of snow walls on the top of the pass.
Executive Engineer Ravi Kumar Sharma said the department had set a target of May 15 to reopen the road. He added that the deadline is subject to weather conditions and may be extended if unfavourable weather persists.
“For the past few days, work has been affected due to continuous rain and snowfall. Avalanches in some places have further disrupted operations. It may take at least a full day to clear the stretch at Karthnala, where an avalanche struck on Thursday, if weather conditions improve,” he said.
Due to the seasonal closure of Sach Pass during winter, residents of the Pangi valley are forced to undertake a gruelling 600-km journey via Jammu and Kashmir to reach Chamba. Once reopened, the pass reduces the distance to about 170 km, significantly improving connectivity and reducing travel time.
Nestled in the remote high-altitude region of Himachal Pradesh, the Pangi valley remains one of the most isolated tribal areas in the state, cut off for months during winter due to heavy snowfall. With limited connectivity, residents rely heavily on the seasonal opening of the Sach Pass route to access essential services, markets, and administrative centres in Chamba.
The route serves as a critical lifeline for the region, ensuring smoother movement of people and essential supplies.
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