SHIMLA/KEYLONG: The fresh spell of snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi, Brahmaur, which is expected to cover other parts of Himachal in the afternoon, has come as a much sought-after relief for farmers and tourists from a prolonged dry spell that has created a drought- like situation in the state.
Snowfall not only fulfill the chilling and moisture requirement for the apple industry, it recharges the shrinking Glaciers, which are lifeblood for the rivers and hydropower projects located in the basins.
As a result of snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti, district collector Sumit Khimta has issued advisory for the travellers in northern side of the Rohtang Pass.
But on the southern side and in the apple belt, the farmers are still praying to the weather god for a much-awaited spell of snowfall as the apple orchards are reeling under a prolonged drought for the last three months.
There are reports that even the chilling hours, which are mandatory for the apple trees, are not fulfilled as the weather has become unusually warmer in the hills of Himachal Pradesh for the last one week.
The weather in the Plains is biting cold due to the thick layer of fog over the sky, but it had been brilliant sunshine warming up the hills in Himachal Pradesh.
The MET has predicted light to moderate spells of rains in lower hills and snow in higher hills of the state till January 13.
The Manali-Keylong-Leh national highway from North portal of the Atal Rohtang Tunnel is only restricted for playing of 4X4 vehicles. The road has turned slippery due to snowing.
The roads from North portal to Koksar and Rohtang Pass and Gramphu-Kaza and from Darcha to Serchu are closed for vehicles.
“There was a light spell of snowfall around 10:00 AM on Wednesday in Keylong, Losar, Koksar, Udaipur and North portal of the Atal Tunnel”, said Khimta.
The Udaipur is experiencing light snowing so is the case at north portal and Keylong. The road is through towards south portal towards Manali but the two vehicles are not allowed on this road due to snowing.
The 4x4 vehicles or the vehicles with chains are allowed movement to and from north portal towards Sissu and Keylong.
