By: ML Verma
Shimla (Feb 12): High reaches of Himachal Pradesh have been snowing while widespread rain lashed downstream areas affecting normal life in the last 12 hours. Air flights schedule for today have been cancelled as cold wave further intensified in the entire state.
Reports coming from Manali said that the tourist destination had another spell of snowfall in the early morning and 4 cm snowfall was recorded in the town while Mardi, Solangnalah and Jalori jot also reported 10-15 cm snow. Keylong of Lahaul-Spiti received 20 cm snowfall while Rohtang Pass and Koksar village recorded two-and-half feet thick layer of snow.
In Shimla district, Hatu peak near tourist resort Narkanda had 7 cm snowfall while downstream areas including the capital town and Kufri were lashing with insistent rainfall. In Kinnaur district, Kalpa recorded 10 cm snowfall, Chitkual 16 cm and Recong-Peo 2 cm. According to Kingfisher Airlines airport manager here, Shashi Sharma, the flight scheduled to Shimla and Kullu airports have been cancelled following inclement weather and overcast sky, whereas the Dharamsala flight schedule in the afternoon too may be cancelled.
Reports from Chamba said that Pangi sub-division pouring was experiencing heavy snowfall. High reaches of Tissa and Bharmaur also reported snowfall. In Kangra district Dhauladhar ranges were experiencing snowfall while its downstream areas were lashed with rain showers intensified cold wave in the entire valley. Rainfall also occurred in Sirmaur, Solan, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Una and Mandi district.
The Met department warned that owing to activation of Western Disturbances in the Western Himalayan region, heavy rain or snow might occur at isolated places in the state.