Shimla, Jan 23: A significant dry spell lasting three months came to an end Friday as snowfall spread across Himachal Pradesh, including the state capital of Shimla. The change in weather arrived as a boost to the local economy, particularly for those involved in the horticulture and farming sectors who had been waiting for winter moisture to settle into the soil.
Heavy snow began falling in the morning hours across several regions of the Shimla district. Areas such as Kufri, Rampur, and Chopal reported steady accumulation, joining other high-altitude spots in Kinnaur that also saw significant activity. This development follows a period where only the highest peaks of Lahaul and Spiti had seen any snow, leaving the rest of the state relatively dry.
“The snow and rain bring relief and cheer to farmers and fruit-growers,” a local representative noted while assessing the impact on the agricultural belt.
Despite the positive impact on crops, the heavy snowfall has impacted local infrastructure. Movement on roads in Deha and Chopal came to a standstill as snow piled up on the tarmac, forcing temporary closures. Technical teams are also working to address electricity outages that occurred simultaneously with the storm, as several regions reported a total loss of power during the morning hours.
