The weather took a turn with lower areas of Joshimath region experiencing light snowfall on Tuesday night. This has brought some relief for farmers in the region where absence of the rainfall threatens to affect various crops. On Wednesday, the region received alternating spells of clear sunlight and cloudy skies. The light snowfall experienced on Tuesday has brought about a chill factor in the weather.
It is worth mentioning here that though there have been a few spells of snowfall in the higher altitude areas of Uttarakhand this winter, the absence of rain and snowfall in the lower areas threatens to damage various crops including apples.
The weather in the high altitude areas of the Himalaya in the State taking a turn on Tuesday night, the people woke up on Wednesday to a landscape made whiter by overnight snowfall. The farmers in the region who were experiencing much anxiety about crop damage resulting from absence of rain and snowfall have breathed a sigh of some relief. However, just a brief spell of light snowfall or snowfall will not be enough especially for the farmers cultivating varied crops who are looking forward to adequate snowfall and rain in the coming days. Observers point out that during this winter, the high altitude areas in the Himalayas in the State have not yet received adequate snowfall. This is evident at the snow sports destination of Auli near Joshimath. Though Auli has received four spells of snowfall in the current season, the quantity of snow is considerably less. Many including, the State Government and locals are eagerly awaiting proper snowfall in view of the Auli winter carnival and junior national sking championship slated to be held here from February 12. In case the required volume of snowfall is not received here, the authorities might face a tougher time in trying to organise the sporting event at Auli next month.