Fresh snow, rains in Himachal bring chaeer

Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh has ended weeks of dry spell, pushing mercury down by several notches across the hill state.

‘The high hills in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur and Kullu districts saw mild spell of snow early this (Wednesday) morning. These districts have been experiencing snowfall for the last two days,’ Manmohan Singh, director of the Meteorological Office here, told IANS.

Kalpa, a picturesque town 250 km from Shimla, also saw mild snowfall Wednesday. The mid and lower hills experienced moderate to heavy rainfall.

‘After fresh rain and snow, the maximum temperatures in the state plummeted by five to six degrees, ending weeks of dry spell,’ Manmohan Singh said.

According to him, the western disturbances would remain active till Thursday. He said more rain or thundershowers and snow were likely.

An official said that Rohtang Pass (13,050 feet) saw more than one foot snow in the last two days. ‘After snow Rohtang Pass was temporarily closed for traffic,’ he said.

The pass is located on the 475-km National Highway-21 and connects Manali in Himachal Pradesh with Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rainfall in Shimla has made Shimla hotels owners happy.

‘The hills have finally got a respite from the scorching heat. We are hopeful this weekend we will get a good influx of tourists,’ said D.P. Bhatia, general manager of Clarke’s Hotel.

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