Kullu: Atal tunnel has been closed for tourists following an avalanche warning by the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) for Rohtang district in Himachal Pradesh.
According to officials, avalanches may occur in Kullu, Shimla, Lahaul and Spiti and Manali as these places are receiving heavy snowfall in the past few days. Tourists have been permitted to go only till Solang Nala.
As and when the weather becomes conducive, the tourists will again be allowed to visit the Atal Tunnel, officials said.
Manali SDM Raman Gharsangi said, “Avalanches are also likely in the high-altitude areas that have received very heavy snow. Rohtang area in Manali is also very prone to avalanches. So we request people not to venture close to avalanche-prone areas and Atal Tunnel area.”
The Atal Tunnel is the world's longest at an altitude of 10,040 feet, which has become a tourist destination after being thrown open to the public by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 9.02-km underpass connects Lahaul of Lahaul-Spiti district and Manali of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh.
