Snowfall draws tourists to Dhanaulti

Ajay Ramola

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 12

Tourists have made a beeline for Dhanaulti and adjacent areas in Jaunpur, Tehri district, since snowfall lashed the region for two days. The influx of tourists has been rising constantly, resulting in the choked traffic in and around the city as adequate arrangements are yet to be made by the traffic police.

Roads are already slippery and the jam-packed traffic has added to the woes of commuters. The situation is worst on Buraskhanda-Dhanaulti stretch. Several two-wheeler-borne commuters had a harrowing experience as their vehicle slipped, making them fell on the road.

Meanwhile, officials of the district administration and the PWD say a JCB machine has been deployed to clear the snow from the road.

Dhanaulti SDM DS Negi said, “The Buraskhanda-Kaddu Khal road has become slippery due to frosty condition. The PWD has been directed to clear the snow. The work to clear the road has begun and administrative officials are keeping a close watch on the situation.”

At the same time, tourists, especially kids and youngsters, are making the most of the current weather conditions as they can be seen making snowmen and throwing snowballs at one another. A group of tourists say it was the first time they were about to celebrate Holi in Uttarakhand.

Ranjeeta, a tourist from Delhi, said, “Snow-clad mountains and terrace farms present a majestic view. I will cherish these moments forever.”

Farmers in Dhanaulti are elated as the fresh spell of snow is beneficial for apple as well as potato production.

Rakesh, who sells juice of rhododendron flower, said the fresh spell of snow would boost the rhododendron flower production. So the people involved in its production and sale will get more business.

The high reaches of Surkhanda temple, Nagg Tibba, Lunsu and Godyapa too are covered in thick blanket of snow, drawing more tourists. Generally, snowfall in March is a rare phenomenon in Mussoorie and Dhanaulti. This is set to recharge the aquifers and mitigate the potable water woes in villages around the region.