Shimla/Manali, January 6:
A light spell of fresh snowfall in Solang Ski resort in the Valley and the Atal Tunnel stretch of the Lahaul–Spiti belt has once again turned Manali into a snow magnet, drawing tourists in large numbers.
But while visitors chase snow and selfies in the higher reaches, most of Himachal Pradesh is battling a deepening drought that has stretched beyond three months, pushing farmers and residents into anxiety.
Tourism Smiles in Snow Zones
The fresh snowfall has revived tourist movement to Manali, Solangnala ski resort and the Atal Tunnel area. Holidaymakers are thronging snowfields for skiing, snow play and adventure activities.
Hoteliers, travel agents and homestay owners are upbeat, reporting 50 to 90 per cent occupancy, with expectations of full bookings ahead of the upcoming Manali winter carnival. For the tourism economy, the snow spell has come as a timely boost.
Dry Reality Beyond the Snowline
The story changes drastically in the apple belt. Large parts of Himachal — including the apple-growing belt around Shimla — remain bone dry.
Rain and snowfall have been negligible this winter, triggering fears of an impending water crisis.
Streams are shrinking, springs are drying up and soil moisture has fallen sharply.
Farmers warn that if precipitation does not pick up soon, irrigation and drinking water shortages could intensify in the coming weeks.
No Water Plan in Sight
Despite the worsening situation, the Jal Shakti Department under Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri has yet to spell out a clear contingency plan.
With no roadmap visible to manage supplies if the drought continues into another month, residents fear they may be left to fend for themselves.
Fires Spread Across Apple Belt
The prolonged dry spell has also made forests and orchards vulnerable to fire. Incidents of grassland and pine-needle fires are being reported from several apple-growing areas.
In desperation, some farmers are burning pruned apple twigs, driven by the age-old belief that smoke can induce rain or snow — a myth experts dismiss as dangerous and counter-productive.
Shimla Chokes on Burning Waste
Adding to the distress, the waste processing plant at Bariyal near Shimla has been smouldering for over a month. Thick smoke and toxic fumes have turned life miserable for nearby residents.
The Municipal Corporation and Pollution Control authorities remain under fire for failing to contain the smoky blaze.
Allegations persist that vested interests are preventing proper waste processing and RDF generation for cement plants, allowing the site to burn year after year.
While snowfall brings cheer to a few destinations, the larger hill state stares at a serious environmental and water emergencyh crisis that can no longer be ignored.
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