After a long spell of dry winter, the entire Beas Valley was lashed by 6-hour torrential rain in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. Farmers and apple growers heaved a sigh of relief who were disappointed with the continuing drought for the first time in 4 decades.
Green forests had turned grey with thick layer of dust causing pollution and environmental degradation. Heavy showers gave them a welcome wash and they turned lush green over night.
While the lower reaches right from Manali to Bilaspur and Pathankot experienced heavy rain, the upper mountains wore a thick white blanket of snow.
The Prashar lake, Dehna Sar atop Uhl river, Kamru Nag, Mahu Nag, and Shikari Devi received three to five feet snow. Naina Devi atop Rewalsar also received heavy snow.
In the adjoining districts of Kulu, lahul and Spiti heaviest snow fall of the season was recorded. Manali—Rohtang road has been blocked due to very heavy snowfall. The dry and grey mountains got a welcome wash with the showers of torrential rain. High mountains have turned white overnight.
locals said the winter drought this year is the worst in the past four decades. After the latest snowfall, apple orchardists are now hoping a better crop.
There was a great rush of tourists to Himachal Pradesh after snowfall. Tourists from the neighboring States of Punjab, Haryana, and also from Delhi, UP and West Bengal have rushed to the hill State. Most of the hotels are packed in Mandi, Kulu and Manali.
