Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh : Two Labourers Rescued Near Atal Tunnel After Being Stranded in Snow for Five Days
In a timely rescue operation, two labourers who had been stranded in deep snow near the first snow gallery close to Dhundi on the Manali–Atal Tunnel road were safely rescued on Tuesday. The duo had been trapped since Friday morning after fresh snowfall rendered the stretch beyond Solang Nala inaccessible.
In a timely rescue operation, two labourers who had been stranded in deep snow near the first snow gallery close to Dhundi on the Manali–Atal Tunnel road were safely rescued on Tuesday. The duo had been trapped since Friday morning after fresh snowfall rendered the stretch beyond Solang Nala inaccessible.
According to Manali Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) KD Sharma, the rescued individuals had unknowingly crossed Solang Nala despite the road being officially closed due to adverse weather conditions. Heavy snowfall in the upper reaches cut off their return route, leaving them stranded near Dhundi, where snow accumulation had reached nearly 4.5 feet.
DSP Sharma said the two men displayed remarkable resilience during the five days they spent in extreme cold. They were carrying blankets and limited food supplies, which helped them survive the freezing conditions. To keep warm, they also lit firewood at intervals.
“Their presence of mind and basic preparedness played a crucial role in keeping them safe until help arrived,” he said.
The rescue operation was launched after police received information via phone about two persons trapped near the first snow gallery at Dhundi. Acting swiftly, a police team deployed for Atal Tunnel security immediately rushed to the spot. Despite difficult terrain and heavy snow cover, the team successfully rescued both men and escorted them safely towards Manali.
The rescued labourers were later identified as Rameshwar (28) from Jharkhand and Deepak (19) from Uttar Pradesh. Officials confirmed that both are safe and in stable condition.
Notably, the police were alerted after a resident of Lahaul spotted the stranded men and informed authorities, underscoring the importance of local vigilance during harsh weather conditions.
Police have once again appealed to tourists, labourers and local residents to strictly follow weather advisories and avoid travelling beyond permitted points during snowfall. Authorities reiterated that roads beyond Solang Nala remain closed during such conditions to prevent accidents and life-threatening situations.
