Snow in Rohtang has hoteliers elated

Our Correspondent

KULLU, SEPtember 22

The 13,050-ft high Rohtang Pass experienced the season’s first snow on Saturday.

Manali SDM Raman Garsanghi said the traffic to Lahaul and Spiti had been halted due to four-inch snow at Rohtang Pass. All higher reaches of the district turned white while the lower reaches were lashed by incessant rain, bringing chill in the valley. People were seen sitting around fire at various places in Manali.

The snowfall has brought smile on the faces of hoteliers who expect a good tourist season. The rain was also welcomed by orchardists as they claim that mild showers during this period is beneficial for vegetables and fruits. No major report of damage was reported, however, landslides were witnessed in many areas and traffic on some local roads was also hampered. Daily flights from the Bhuntar airport were also cancelled. Lahaul and Spiti HRTC Regional Manager Mangal Chand Manepa said the Kaza-Kullu bus service had been suspended due to snow at Kunzum Pass.

Dhauladhars turn white

• Kangra: The Kangra valley had been witnessing heavy rain since last evening  and the Dhauldhars received  snow, bringing down the temperature in the valley. 
• It  started raining on Friday night and continued till the filing of this report. The Meterological Department predicted heavy to very heavy rain on Sunday. 
• The sky was overcast with dark clouds and it was a hazy through the day with vehicles moving with headlights on. 
• Reports of rain were received from Dharamsala too where 37.4 mm rain wa recorded with the minimum temperature   touching 16.6 degree  and the maximum temperature remained 26.8 degree. OC

Landslips in various parts of state 

• Shimla: Most parts of the state were lashed by heavy rain during the last 24 hours with a warning being issued of heavy rain during the next two days. The heavy rain triggered landslides at many places, resulting in disruption of vehicular movement. Traffic had came to a standstill for several hours at Bhumak on the Chandigarh-Manali road due to landslides. 
• The government issued an advisory, especially for tourists and trekkers, not to venture to the higher reaches in view of the prediction of heavy rain.  TNS