News
Keylong Records Lowest Snowfall in 17 Years; Gondhla Sees 26 cm — Snow Disrupts Harvest, Boosts Tourism Prospects
Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti districts witnessed an unexpected and intense spell of snowfall over the past 24 hours, with Keylong and Gondhla receiving more than half a foot of snow.
Described by officials as both “heavy” and “unusually early,” the snowfall caused a sharp drop in temperatures, with maximum readings in areas like Chamba, Dalhousie, and Manali falling to between 15°C and 18°C.
According to the meteorological department, Keylong received 20 cm of snow and Gondhla recorded 26 cm, marking the earliest and heaviest October snowfall in the region since 2008. Previously, Keylong’s highest early-season snowfall was recorded on October 11, 2018, when the town saw just 6 cm.
The heavy snow has damaged apple trees laden with fruit, leaving local farmers anxious. “Such heavy snowfall not only breaks the branches but also causes excessive moisture, which can lead to fruit rot,” said a Kelong-based apple grower. In the state’s lower regions, heavy rainfall has also disrupted paddy harvesting, affecting the livelihoods of many farmers.
Despite these setbacks, the early snowfall is expected to give a welcome boost to the tourism sector, drawing visitors from across the country to the freshly snow-covered valleys of Lahaul and nearby hill stations.
Officials said the rainfall caused by an active western disturbance is expected to taper off by tonight, with clearer weather likely from tomorrow onward.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
