Overview

• Varinderjit Singh, a 54-year-old resident of Patiala’s Aman Bagh Colony, fell ill on June 1 while returning from Leh and died of hypoxemia at Darcha.
• Superintendent of Police Ilma Afroz said Lahaul-Spiti’s high altitude and low oxygen levels heighten risks for visitors with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• Officials recommend that people with breathing problems avoid travel past Darcha, Gramphu and Losar on the Manali-Leh National Highway.
• Tourists are urged to carry oxygen cylinders, oxygen tablets and first aid kits and to maintain adequate hydration at high altitudes.
• The lack of mobile network coverage beyond key points in Lahaul-Spiti complicates emergency response and delays medical assistance.