Manali and its adjoining areas today experienced season’s first snowfall, while the lower parts of the region were lashed by rains.

Snow covered roofs and trees, presenting a picturesque view to the tourists as well as the residents.

The 13,050-foot high Rohtang Pass - gateway to the Lahaul-Spiti valley - also experienced a heavy snowfall, and snapping road link between Manali and the valley.

Traffic on the Manali-Rohtang Pass road was disrupted at several points beyond Nehru Kund, about 5 km from here. Tourists made a beeline to see fresh snowfall near Nehru Kund where a festive atmosphere prevailed as winter revellers threw snow balls at each other and had a gala time.

Besides bringing joy, snow brought its share of miseries too. The Pass road after Nehru Kund became slippery and tourist vehicles were forced to return.

The snowfall brought smiles on the faces of hoteliers, taxi operators and luxury bus operators. They felt that it would boost tourism in the Kullu valley.

The famous ski slopes along the Solang valley also experienced snowfall.

Due to fresh snow in the higher reaches of the Kullu valley, including the Pir Panjal rages, Brighu slopes, Chanderkhani Pass, Hamta slopes, Marhi meadows, Gulaba, Kothi and Dhundi, the upper Manali region was in the grip of a severe cold wave leading to further decline in temperature.

Horticulturists and agriculturists consider it beneficial for crops in the coming season.

CHAMBA: The district too received the season’s first snow on Monday. There was a sharp dip in temperature and intense cold waves gripped the entire alpine region of Chamba, compelling the inhabitants to wear warm clothes.

The low-lying parts of the district had moderate widespread rain.

Meanwhile, the Himalayan ranges, including tribal Pangi valley in Chamba, and the adjoining massifs of Pir Panjal hills in Jammu and Kashmir also experienced snowfall today, official reports from the district headquarters stated.

KANGRA: Temperatures dipped in the Kangra valley too following heavy snowfall on the Dhauladhar range on Monday. Reports of rains were received from Dharamsala, Yol, Mallan, Nagrota Bagwan, Shahpur, Gaggal, Palampur and Jawalamukhi.

After a long dry spell, the rains have come as a boon for the farmers, who had been waiting for a change in weather as it would help in the sowing of wheat.

Source: tribuneindia.com