Manali: Thousands of tourists reached Lahaul-Spiti’s Sisu and Atal tunnel Rohtang to witness snowfall in Lahaul resulting in all residents of Throng village of Lahaul valley in the state testing positive for Covid-19. The Lahaul valley has become the worst- Covid-19 hit in terms of population ratio in the state.
The surge in cases in Lahaul valley has forced the administration to restrict tourist movement to Teling nullah near the north portal of the Rohtang tunnel. Tourists were not allowed to enter Lahaul villages on Thursday. The villages beyond the tunnel have been turned into containment zones.
According to sources, Thorang village has just 42 residents, and rest of the residents have migrated to Kullu for winter. The villagers had voluntarily decided to get tested a few days back. Of the total 42 samples, 41 tested positive. Except for 52-year-old Bhushan Thakur was found to be negative.
“I’m staying in a separate room and isolated myself. I have been cooking my own meals for the last one weak. I was with my family members until we got to know about the results. However, I was strict about all protocols like sanitizing hands, wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing when in public areas. People should not take this disease lightly. As the winter season is setting in, people should take extra precaution,” said Bhushan, whose five family members have tested positive.
The surge in cases in Lahaul valley has forced the administration to restrict tourist movement to Teling nullah near the north portal of the Rohtang tunnel. Tourists were not allowed to enter Lahaul villages on Thursday onwards as the villages beyond the tunnel have been turned into containment zones.
As per the sources, the villagers had gathered at one place during a religious program a few days back. Social gathering is being blamed for community transmission in the village.
Sanjay Dutta, an engineer by qualification but is a journalist by choice.
He has worked for the premier new agency Press Trust of India and leading English daily Indian Express.
With more than a decade of experience, he has been highlighting issues related to environment, tourism and other aspects affecting mountain ecology.
Sanjay Dutta lives in a village close to Manali in Kullu valley of Himachal.
