Himachal Pradesh has turned into a winter wonderland as snowfall delights not just the tourists but also the state’s tourism and horticulture industry.
Snowfall blanketed the region, bringing a wave of excitement to all, especially to the hospitality sector. “Snowfall is like white gold for hospitality in Shimla. Snowfall can make all the difference between 50% occupancy and 90% occupancy for the holiday season,” said Amish Sud, Director of Sud Hotels.
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However, according to Amish, the reports of Shimla or nearby towns being graced with early snowfall this season are incorrect. “ What we saw in December is the actual season. This is what is supposed to happen at this time of the year in our town. We saw a delay in snow or no snow in the last two winters because of the El Nino weather pattern. But this year, we expect a lot of snow.”
The timely snow has also benefited the farmers in Himachal. According to Onkar Chand Sharma, the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) for Revenue and Disaster Management, this timely snowfall has helped the state’s farmers and the economy.
The season’s first snowfall is of immense importance for horticulture because it ensures low temperatures in the region. “This snowfall is beneficial, especially for those regions that depend on it for crop growth. Horticulture, which generates significant revenue for the state, benefits from the natural fertilisation brought on by this snow. This snowfall is indeed a relief for the region’s farmers,” Sharma was quoted in the media.
Jaya Kumari from Delhi visited Shimla in December. The town received its first snowfall, and she was lucky to experience this magical moment. “To be honest, forget me, nobody expected any snowfall in December. It was so mesmerising to see fresh snow. Though it was a very light snowfall, it did its charm.”
Amish believe the region will witness more snowfall in the coming days, increasing occupancy. However, a rise in tourist influx, which leads to long traffic jams in Himachal cities like Shimla, Kullu, Manali, etc., is a cause for concern. “Not at all. The four-lane highway is almost done. So, a lot of traffic will bypass Shimla. Also, Shimla can handle the demand.”
Many tourists prefer to travel to the adjoining areas to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. “ Shimla has a limited number of rooms, so some tourists prefer to travel to Naldehra, Kufri, Narkanda, Fagu, etc. So, in the state, we have plenty of options. Our hotel in Naldehra is almost completely booked and just an hour from Shimla. So, tourists can enjoy the busy life of Shimla and the quiet life of Naldehra.
Rakesh Kumar, a professor, is heading to the hills around Lohri and was sceptical about whether he’ll get to witness the snowfall while booking his hotel. “ I thought maybe I had planned my holiday dates wrong, and I wouldn’t be able to see any snow. But looking at the reports, I feel sure that if there is no fresh snowfall, I will at least get to see some snow.”
IMD Scientist Soma Sen Roy said, “There is a Western Disturbance (WD) over Jammu and adjoining north Pakistan, which could trigger isolated snowfall activity today and tomorrow, mainly over the western Himalayan region… We are monitoring another WD over Iran and neighbouring areas. As it moves eastward, it may cause a rise in temperature over the western Himalayan region from 4 and 5 January onwards. We’re also expecting heavy rainfall or heavy snowfall and thunderstorm activity mainly over J&K and HP.”
Sharma hopes this will bring more rainfall and snowfall, which will continue aiding farming in the region.
