Race against nature: BRO clears 5 feet of snow in 72 hours to reopen vital Kishtwar-Sansari lifeline at 8,700 feet

The 118-RCC launched intensive snow clearance operations the next morning, and within the next 72 hours, it cleared the entire 3.5 feet of snow, fully reopening the road to Sansari, officials said.

BRO and Project Sampark officials commended the personnel who carried out the operation, saying they worked tirelessly in extreme weather and high-altitude conditions.

The Kishtwar-Sansari road is a lifeline for the region as it links the Chenab Valley in J&K with Lahaul Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, serving as a crucial axis for inter-state movement, according to an official statement issued by the Defence Ministry spokesperson in Jammu, Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal.

The road also enables the transport of essential commodities, agricultural produce, and trade between Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, officials said, adding that it ensures access to healthcare, education, and emergency services for remote, high-altitude communities.

The road also enables the transport of essential commodities, agricultural produce, and trade between Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, officials said, adding that it ensures access to healthcare, education, and emergency services for remote, high-altitude communities.

BRO and Project Sampark officials commended the personnel who carried out the operation, saying they worked tirelessly in extreme weather and high-altitude conditions.