Shimla and its picturesque surroundings witnessed the much-anticipated arrival of the season’s first snowfall, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland and bringing joy to tourists and the hospitality sector. While the snowfall disrupted normal life and led to road closures in various districts, it was warmly welcomed by apple growers, promising benefits to orchards and winter agricultural practices.
The high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh experienced heavy to moderate snowfall, with Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti district recording an impressive 18.4 inches, and the popular tourist destination of Manali receiving 15.1 inches. Other areas, such as Kalpa in Kinnaur district, Bharmaur in Chamba, and Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti, also experienced a delightful coating of snow.
The state’s capital, Shimla, witnessed disruptions to normal life as a thunderstorm accompanied by hail hit the city on Wednesday night. Upper Shimla, the Jakhu hills, and the Ridge experienced heavy snowfall, causing traffic movement on the 13-km Circular Road to come to a standstill. The picturesque town of Kufri near Shimla received 3cm of snowfall, while Narkanda enjoyed snowfall for the second consecutive day.
The snowfall brought cheers to the hospitality sector, with hoteliers expressing hope that the scenic beauty would attract more visitors, boosting business. Tourists, too, were overjoyed by the unexpected snowfall. Amit Singh, visiting Shimla with his family, exclaimed, “This is a lifetime experience for me and my family. Who knew we were in for a surprise in Shimla! It feels heavenly.”
The apple growers in the region also found cause for celebration as the fresh snowfall is considered “white manure” for orchards. Harish Chauhan, the president of the Himachal Fruit Vegetable and Flower Growers Association, stated, “Snow will expedite winter practices and help in checking diseases that had begun to spread in trees due to the prolonged arid climate.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange warning for light to moderate rain and snow in the state. Surender Paul, the local IMD director, remarked, “There will be light to moderate snowfall in most places in the districts of Kullu, Shimla, Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti. There is a possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall in the high-altitude regions of Kullu, Shimla, Kinnaur, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti.”
As the snow-covered landscape continues to enchant locals and tourists alike, the region remains under the spell of winter, promising a boost to tourism and agriculture in the coming weeks.
Sources By Agencies