Shimla gets early snowfall after several years

Snowfall is quintessential for the apple-growing community of Himachal pradesh. The Kotkhai, Kothgarh and Chaupal belt are expecting a good crop with early snowfall.

Apple farming has helped Kotkhai and Kotgarh residents prosper in the past with highest per-capita income across Asian villages, but the recent trend of longer summers had put a halt on the rich growth of the belt and apple cultivators were looking at alternatives.

With the early snowfall, Apple growth is expected to be rich this year giving the farmers a much needed boost.

In June Shimla made headlines across the globe for the staggering drop in water availability. The water average availability during the peak months of June to August is around 40-45 Million liters per day(MLD), but this year the availability dropped to 15-18 MLD, making it difficult for the residents and the tourists to get water even for the most basic activities such as cooking.

Snowfall in December gets the hopes of locals high for more snowfall in the upcoming January and February. More snowfall will mean water water in reservoirs and abundant water reserves for the summer months.

Other hilly town of Manali and Kullu too have received fresh snowfall this week. Fresh snowfall in Manali means tourists will now be able to enjoy the famous Solang ski slopes.

Around 6 cm of snow was recorded in Manali.

The famous Rohtang pass, 51 KM from Manali, has been closed with heavy snowfall in the area. The tribals of Rohtang are evacuated every winter season.