Rohtang, Baralacha receive snowfall

KULLU, JUNE 17

The lower reaches of Kullu and Lahaul & Spiti districts witnessed rain while the higher reaches had snowfall today.

The Rohtang Pass witnessed a fresh snowfall and tourists had a gala time enjoying the cool weather. The onset of pre-monsoon showers has also flooded many tributaries of the Beas and the water level has risen.

Baralacha Pass in Lahaul, a new attraction among the tourists, also received snow. Tourists were delighted to witness snow in June. Lahaul and Spiti SP Manav Verma said there were no reports of anybody being stranded.

People associated with the tourism industry were also delighted. Manali Hoteliers Association (MHA) president Mukesh Thakur said the tourist inflow was expected to increase.

Rain was also good for orchardists as they claim that mild showers are beneficial for vegetables and fruits. However, some areas also witnessed strong winds due to which fruits were damaged. However, there were no reports of any major losses due to the inclement weather.

Monsoon to hit state in 48 hours

• Pre-monsoon showers on Friday morning brought much-needed relief from the prolonged heat wave in various areas of Palampur, Baijnath Jaisinghpur and Kangra as mercury plummeted sharply
• Palampur recorded the maximum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius
• The monsoon is likely to hit the state in 48 hours
• The pre-monsoon rain has once again raised hopes of a good harvest of apple and other crops this season too