Shimla: Nature is showing its dual face in Himachal Pradesh. After a long dry spell, the white blanket of snow on the mountains has brought hope for farmers and horticulturists, but the heavy snowfall has severely affected daily life. According to the latest situation report on the second day of snowfall in the state, 1291 roads are still closed, completely cutting off connectivity to remote areas.
Situation Challenging in Several Districts
The situation remains most challenging in districts like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, and Mandi. The supply of essential goods, medicines, and fuel is disrupted. Schools and colleges are closed in many places. Despite the difficult conditions, the Public Works Department (PWD) has launched a war-footing operation to clear the roads, raising hopes for a quick return to normalcy. Yellow Alert for Heavy Snowfall on January 27
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heavy snowfall again on January 27, which could further increase people’s concerns. The risk of landslides and avalanches looms on the mountain slopes, and people may once again face power outages and road closures. This could cause the most difficulty for the elderly, children, and patients in rural areas. Farmers and Horticulturists Breathe a Sigh of Relief
However, amidst this biting cold and snowy hardship, Himachal’s agriculture and horticulture sector seems to be breathing a sigh of relief. This snowfall is considered extremely beneficial for crops like apples, pears, peaches, and cherries. According to experts, sufficient snow will increase soil moisture, reduce pests and diseases, and is expected to lead to better production in the coming season.
After the snow melts, this water will also revitalize rivers, streams, and water sources, reducing the likelihood of a water crisis in the summer. This means that the situation in Himachal Pradesh is such that on one hand, the snow is blocking people’s paths, and on the other hand, the same snow is giving people the joy of pleasant expectations. 655 roads will be opened by this evening.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh said, “Due to heavy snowfall, 1291 roads are currently closed in the state, of which 655 roads will be opened by this evening. He said that the target is to open 299 more roads tomorrow. Similarly, 344 more roads will be opened on January 26 and 27.”
A total of 385 machines, including JCBs, deployed in the field
Vikramaditya Singh said that there might be snowfall again after a day or two, but our machinery is deployed in the field to clear the roads. He said that we have deployed a total of 385 machines, including JCBs, in the field. If needed, more machinery will be sent to the field, but we don’t want to deploy too much machinery because when we were in the opposition, we saw that many scams took place in the name of snow removal. Machines were deployed in various ways in the name of snow removal, for which there was no system to keep records. This led to irregularities in many places.
Resources should not be misused: Vikramaditya Singh
He said that machines should be used, but resources should not be misused. We are focusing more on deploying machines in areas with heavy snowfall, and machines will be deployed wherever needed. He said that we had completed our preparations before the snowfall and had issued necessary guidelines regarding the deployment of machines. I am still in constant contact with the officials regarding the snowfall situation.
This is how the weather will be
The weather in Himachal Pradesh is not going to be pleasant for now. The weather will remain clear in the plains of the state on January 24. However, there is a possibility of light rain and snowfall at one or two places in the mid-altitude and high-altitude areas. Similarly, on January 25th, the weather will be clear in the plains and mid-altitude areas, but light rain and snowfall are expected in higher altitude regions.
Rain and Snowfall Alert for January 26th
Similarly, on January 26th, light rain is expected at one or two places in the plains. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain and snowfall are expected at some places in the mid-altitude areas. Furthermore, on January 27th, light to moderate rain is likely at most places in the plains of the state. Light to moderate rain and snowfall are also expected at most places in the mid-altitude and higher altitude regions.
Weather to Clear Up from January 29th
On January 28th, light rain is expected at one or two places in the plains. Similarly, light to moderate rain and snowfall are likely at most places in the mid and higher altitude regions. The weather in the state will clear up from January 29th.
