
09/03/2025
THULO KHOLA IS A BOTTLE NECK
Heavy snowfall blocks the Tsomgo-Nathula Tourist circuit. Despite the ice clearing machine stationed at Tsomgo-Sherathang road, vehicles are barred from plying above Thulo Khola. Rivulets running down from the hill get frozen, piling up with heavy ice sleet. I went to check the road condition last year to see if anything can be done to prevent the closure of the road in such situations, the bridge is the only answer.
Tsomgo-Nathula is an important tourist destination, with the arrival of the snow season, tourists flock to Gangtok from and around 500 km radius cities and towns. At present, daily wage earners are deputed to clear the ice and sleet with the help of salt and a spade. I gave a try, and it is very hard to cut the sleet. People and the vehicles sleep off.