fresh-snowfall-brings-cheer-to-farmers-tourists-in-shimla

Fresh snowfall has started in Shimla and in the higher reaches of Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, and the higher reaches of Shimla and Kinnaur districts. Rain is also being reported from several other parts of the state. The change in weather has brought winter conditions back to many regions.

 

The outer roads of Shimla were blocked, and some bus routes to upper Shimla were suspended. Power supply in some parts of Shimla city, including government offices in Kasumpti and shops on The Mall, was disrupted due to snowfall, and locals largely stayed indoors to avoid the chill.

 

The weather has remained unsettled since late Thursday night and early Friday morning. This is in line with the Meteorological Department’s prediction. Cloud cover, snowfall and rain have continued across many areas since then.

 

The fresh spell has brought much-needed respite after a long dry period of nearly four months. The snowfall has brought happiness to tourists and local residents and has raised hopes for farmers and orchardists. Many were worried about crop damage due to the lack of rainfall, especially apple growers preparing for the next season.

 

The tourism sector, which had been facing a slowdown, has also received a boost as tourists have started arriving to enjoy the snowfall. Shimla city has been covered in a white blanket of snow, while continuous snowfall is being reported from upper Shimla areas such as Narkanda, Kufri, Khada Pathar, and the higher reaches of Chaupal, Rohru and Jubbal.

 

Local hotelier Surender Chauhan said that this is the first good snowfall of the season after a long gap following the damage caused by heavy rains. He said Shimla is witnessing good snowfall and expressed hope that it would benefit farmers and orchardists. He also said tourism-related businesses, including hotels, are likely to see improvement as more tourists arrive in the coming days.

 

Another local resident, Ravi Sharma, also welcomed the change in weather. He said the snowfall has brought happiness and will benefit not only local residents but also farmers, orchardists and those linked to tourism. He added that tourists have already started arriving to experience snowfall and expressed hope for better business in the days ahead.