With no snow cutting machines, many roads remain cut off in Himachal

Lack of modern equipment to clear swbound ros has thrown rmal life out of gear in many parts of Himachal Presh with power and water supply, more than three days since heavy swfall hit state.

Himachal Presh government does t have a single sw cutting machine to clear sw accumulated on ros.

mitting that y lack state-of--art equipment, chief secretary Anil Kumar Khachi told PTI that state ministration will have machines by next winter season.

Many parts of middle and higher hills are also without electricity and water since Wednesday's swfall.

SDMA Director-cum-Special Secretary (Revenue) D C Rana said power and water supply would soon be restored.

Though 440 machines including 381 earth movers, 16 bulldozers and 43 tippers are on job to clear sw from ros, y have t mand to fully clear path as many ros remain blocked.

As per data provided by a State Disaster Manment Authority (SDMA) official on Friday evening, as many as 835 ros in various parts including 642 in Shimla zone are still cut off for motorists.

Khachi said, “Men and machine are on job but it is t easy to clear sw immediately as it takes time because we have our limits.”

On Friday evening, an elderly person lost his life after slipping on a sw covered ro in Shimla city.

Besides, several people were seen skidding on ro outside Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's official residence, sources said.

A number of tourists and local people also skidded on Ridge, Mall Ro and on Jakhu Ro in Shimla city, y ded.

Responding to death, chief secretary said, “It's an unfortunate incident that one person died and several ors sustained injuries after skidding in various places after swfall. We are trying our best to clear sw from ros."

He urged people to be cautious while walking on ros.

meteorological department has forecast rain, swfall in state from January 11 to 17 due to two western disturbances with Met centre issuing orange warning of heavy rain, swfall on January 13 and 16.

wearman said first western disturbance will be active in state from January 11 to 13 while or one will be from January 14 to 16.