The quantity of snowfall in Badrinath this time is substantially lower than in the previous year. Whereas the considerable quantity of snow had posed problems in reopening of the road to Badrinath last year, this time the area is covered by a layer of snow only about a couple of feet in thickness.
locals also point out that till last year, the Badrinath area in Chamoli district used to be covered by thick snow but the same is drastically lesser this year. It will be recalled that till last year, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) used to tackle various challenges while undertaking the task of clearing the snow to enable flow of traffic on the highway to Badrinath at the time of the shrine’s reopening to the public.
The situation was such during the corresponding period last year that the Badrinath area was covered by a cover of snow which was about eight feet in thickness. During this time last year, the authorities had not been able to clear the road of snow to enable traffic to Badrinath on the occasion of reopening of the shrine’s portals to the public.
However, the scenario is considerably different this year because the quantity of snowfall has been considerably less compared to past years. Compared to the eight feet of snow covering this area last year, the snow cover this time is only about two feet thick following the recent spell of light snowfall.
If the situation remains as it presently is, pilgrims travelling to Badrinath this year will not get to enjoy the natural beauty of snow at close quarters with the portals of the shrine slated to be reopened to the public on May 11.
The pilgrims and authorities will not be facing problems while travelling to Badrinath due to the deficient snowfall this year. However, the visitors will also miss the thrill of travelling on road cleared through thick snow cover while the sight of large glaciers in close proximity of the road will not be enjoyed this time.