Shimla, JAN 23: Shimla and various parts of Himachal Pradesh received the first widespread snowfall of the season on Friday, effectively concluding a parched three-month period that had concerned local agricultural communities. While high-altitude zones in Chamba and Lahaul and Spiti had seen previous flurries, this marks the first time the state capital and its surrounding mountain regions were covered in white this winter.
The snowfall moved across the district early in the day, covering popular destinations and higher reaches including Kufri, Narkanda, Khadapathar, Rampur, and Chopal. State officials noted that the arrival of the snow serves as a vital reprieve for the region’s primary economic sectors, specifically for fruit-growers and farmers who rely on winter moisture for their crops.
“The snow and rain bring relief and cheer to farmers and fruit-growers,” an official mentioned regarding the change in weather patterns.
The heavy accumulation has created immediate logistical challenges for the administration. Authorities confirmed that roads in Deha and Chopal were closed to traffic as a safety measure. Additionally, the sudden shift in weather caused power supply disruptions in several pockets of the district. Workers have been deployed to clear the roads and restore electricity to the affected mountain villages.
