The snowfall in North India is intense, and the chill continues to increase. Though December and the first half of January saw little snow in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, the departure of January has ushered significant snowfall across these regions.
This dramatic weather has drawn a flood of tourists to the hill states. So much so, that many hill stations are fully booked. Long traffic jams snake through mountain roads, and hotel accommodations are becoming scarce. Nonetheless, the allure of snow-covered peaks remains irresistible to many. Meanwhile, the plains also suffer from increased cold and chills due to the snowfall.
Jammu & Kashmir: A Winter Wonderland
Jammu & Kashmir are aptly called heaven on earth. With the recent snowfall, the sight of snow-blanketed mountains and trees creates an utterly mesmerizing view. Rajouri is witnessing heavy snow, mesmerizing tourists who capture these breathtaking experiences in their memories.
However, some tourists find themselves stuck in traffic jams, weary from their wait inside vehicles. In certain places, cars slipped on the icy roads, requiring people to push them to move forward.
Source: aajtak
Enchantment of Doda and Bhadarwah
After two days of persistent snowfall, Doda seems adorned with nature's white jewels. Mountains wear a thick blanket of snow, resembling fluffy cotton barrages surrounding the area, gift-wrapped by nature.
Frozen streams and icy cascades add to Doda's dreamy look. Cars are blanketed in snow layers, and in Bhadarwah, CRPF soldiers unfurled the Indian flag, symbolizing determination amidst challenges.
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Struggles from Bhalesa to Srinagar
The snowy delight for tourists contrasts with challenges locals face amid heavy snowfall in Bhalesa and neighboring areas. After substantial snowfall in Srinagar, the Zoji La Pass has reopened.
Kishtwar hills lie beneath layers of fresh snow. Continuous snowfall intensifies the chill in the lower regions. Kupwara, Shopian, and Kulgam in upper Kashmir are deeply snow-laden. Closed roads, power cuts, and halted transport affect local life drastically.
Uttarakhand: Tourist Surge from Auli to Mussoorie
In Uttarakhand, delayed but heavy snowfall has caused an influx of tourists. As snow blankets Auli, crowds throng for a glimpse of its sunlit, snowy vistas.
Auli, famed globally for skiing, teems with enthusiasts enjoying lifts, skiing, and hikes. The weather department predicts more snow and rain, hinting at further climatic shifts.
Source: aajtak
In Chakrata, tourists have been stuck for days amid heavy snowfall, struggling with essentials shortages. Meanwhile, lengthy queues on the Ruproaring Runswick/Chaupatta and Badrinath Highways heighten tourist woes.
Mussoorie is equally congested with extensive traffic snags. Authorities urge tourists to go there only with confirmed hotel bookings. The Delhi-NCR crowd's rush during the long weekend worsened their journey amid these jams.
Patriotic Displays Amidst Snow
On Republic Day, amid harsh snow conditions, soldiers proudly hoisted the Indian flag at Siachen, thousands of feet high. In Kedarnath, despite temple closures, ITBP and Uttarakhand police staged a similar gesture, singing the national anthem atop four feet of snow.
Himachal Pradesh: Gifts and Challenges
Himachal Pradesh faces tough conditions due to heavy snowfall. Several national and countless local highways are blocked. Power and water supplies are disrupted. Tourists are stuck on the roads in areas like Kullu-Manali and Chamba.
Source: aajtak
In Chamba, tragedy struck as one hiker's body was retrieved from a trekking adventure, while efforts to find another hiker are ongoing. The army and relief agencies continue search operations tirelessly.
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In Mandi, amid heavy snowfall, a groom walked seven kilometers to gather his bride, captivating social media discussions.
Cold Impact on Plains
Snowfall's chilling effect extends to plains. Punjab and Haryana are swept by a fierce cold, with temperatures plunging below two degrees in several areas, compelling people to combat the bitter cold.
