The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) is working on a plan to lay electric cables under the Rohtang tunnel in order to check power outages during the winter months in the state’s Lahaul-Spiti district, The Tribune has reported.

The tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, at present, is dependent on 33 kW Kullu substation’s power transmission lines which pass through the 13,050 feet Rohtang pass. During the winter months, these lines are often damaged by the heavy snowfall in the region.

More than 20 feet of snowfall is received by the pass during winters which makes it very difficult for HPSEB officials to repair the damaged lines and restore the power supply in time. This renders the residents of Lahaul-Spiti without electricity for months.

Himachal Power Minister Anil Sharma told the paper that the government is planning to lay electric cables beneath the tunnel which will help the power department to ensure regular supply of power to the residents of Lahaul-Spiti.

According to the report, HPSEB had submitted a proposal to the authorities of the Boarder Road Organisation (BRO) in order to provide space for laying cables under the duct of the tunnel.

BRO will reportedly discuss the issue with the experts in order to know the feasibility of the proposal.

Lahaul-Spiti residents said that the move would bring a huge relief to them as during the winter, power supply and telecommunications services in the region remain disrupted.