Manali: Equipped with modern machinery and technically skilled officers and jawans, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)  started snow-clearance operation on the Manali-Leh highway soon after holding prayers and a puja at Gulaba on April 4, about 32 km from here. 

Colonel Uma Shanker(SM), Commander, 38 Border Road Task Force (BRTF), said massive efforts were being made to open the Rohtang Pass, the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti open by second week of may provided the weather conditions remain favourable. Efforts were being made to open the Manali- Rothang Pass by the second week of May. The work is in progress from the other side of Rohtang Pass in the Lahaul valley, he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy director ABMI, Manali, Raman Gharsangi said two rescue posts had been established on either side of Rohtang Pass for the convenience of the people of Lahaul.He added Rescue team deployed at Koksar rescue hut was airlifted and dropped off at Koksar…the rescue hut at Koksar becomes functional today onwards…the team deployed at Marhi will reach on the 1st of April….so from 1st April onwards both the rescue teams will be operational  to help and escort people crossing the Rohtang Pass.