Himachal Pradesh: Sach Pass, which has recently been named as Sesh Jot, an important lifeline connecting the Tribal Pangi Valley to Chemba District Headquarters, was closed for the movement of vehicles until next notice. Is, which marks the onset of its annual winter shutdown. Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Riswal issued an order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, preferred public safety and prevention of unpleasant incidents. The closure comes as a temperature on a 4,414 m high mountain pass, below the cold point. In the order, Repswal said that the SDM of Pangi (Killer) said that the surface of the road is becoming rapidly icy, especially during the morning and late evening hours. Sudden snowfall in the region increases the risk of passengers being trapped. While working on this advisor, the district officials decided to close the route to ensure the safety of residents and passengers.
Given the situation of the challenging road, the SDM requested the district administration to issue a public advisor, to warn the residents and visitors about the dangers of traveling through Saach Pass to residents and visitors. While Sach Pass is an annual event, it greatly affects the residents of the Pangi Valley. For months, they will now have to rely on alternative routes through Manali or Jammu and Kashmir, which increase the distance of Chamba’s journey from 172 km to 650 km. This affair, though required, increases the cost and time to reach essential services in other parts of the district or visit family members. Saach Pass, known for its breathtaking vista and challenging terrain, remains a symbol of flexibility and connectivity for the people of the Pangi Valley. Pangi is one of the most backward regions in Himachal Pradesh, the characteristic of hard terrain and severe climatic conditions. Separated from the rest of the state by the PIR Panjal mountain range, this region has limited connectivity, especially during winter, when it is heavily stripped when it is heavy.