Heavy rainfall continue to lash several parts of Himachal Pradesh
Heavy rains lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh as monsoon further intensified in the region, and a pilgrim who set out on Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Kullu district died due to extreme cold near Thachru.
The deceased has been identified as Netra Prakash (28).
The pilgrims had left for the Yatra, yesterday, on their own and did not inform the administration, Kullu Deputy Commissioner, Rakesh Kanwar said.
He said that the Shrikhand Yatra, one of the most difficult yatras in the tough hilly terrain would officially commence from July 17, subject to weather conditions. He asked the people not to venture for the yatra on their own till July 17.
Thick fog engulfed Shimla and its adjoining areas and vehicular traffic was disrupted as heavy rains (71 mm) caused traffic jams.
The rains triggered landslides at some places in Shimla - Sirmaur and Kullu districts in the interiors, but all the major highways were open, officials said.
The local Meteorological office has predicted heavy rains at isolated places in lower and mid hill areas till July 11 as monsoon would further intensified in the region.
The levels of major rivers and their tributaries have risen following heavy rains but all the rivers are flowing below the danger mark.
The rains have also increased the water level in reservoirs of hydropower projects, resulting in increased hydropower generation.