Dehradun: The picturesque state of Uttarakhand has been blanketed in a thick layer of snow, with severe weather conditions causing significant disruptions. Heavy snowfall has been reported from Wednesday night through Thursday evening, impacting both high-altitude areas and lower regions.
The Badrinath and Malari highways have been closed, with snowfall affecting key areas such as Badrinath Dham, Hemkund Sahib, Valley of Flowers, Rudranath, Auli, Gorson, Niti, and Mana valley.
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand: Snowfall has resumed in high-altitude areas, causing difficulties for vehicles to move. The police station organized a volleyball competition for the jawans to keep them active pic.twitter.com/9MTil0puNc
— IANS (@ians_india) January 16, 2025
Gangotri Highway was also shut down for eight hours from Sukki to Gangotri
Small vehicle movement has been halted beyond the TV tower on the Auli road due to snow and frost. The Gangotri Highway was also shut down for eight hours from Sukki to Gangotri, although the stretch beyond Harshil to Gangotri Dham remains closed. Power outages have been reported from Gangani to Gangotri Dham, exacerbating the difficulties faced by the locals. In Kedarnath Dham, heavy snowfall has accumulated up to two feet, adding to the challenges.
Temperatures plummet to -30 degrees Celsius in Kalapani
The third snowfall of the season in Didihat’s high-altitude areas has led to the freezing of water sources along the India-Nepal-China border. Kalapani, which lies on the Nepal-China border, received three to four inches of snow, and the temperature reached a bone-chilling -30 degrees. The freezing temperatures have halted the flow of the Kali River within a three-kilometer radius. The water crisis due to frozen sources has intensified problems for border guards and local residents. Despite temperatures ranging from -20 to -30 degrees, SSB soldiers remain dedicated to patrolling the border.
The harsh weather has also affected other hill districts in Kumaon, disrupting daily life
In Pithoragarh district, the high peaks of Munsiyari and Dharchula have experienced fresh snowfall, while the lower areas have been drenched in rain, resulting in severe cold. The maximum temperature in Pithoragarh was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dipped to 2 degrees. In Munsiyari, snowfall led to a significant drop in temperatures, with the maximum at 5 degrees and the minimum at -1 degree.
Cold weather has forced people to stay indoors
The intermittent rain has kept the market relatively deserted, and movement from rural areas has been limited. However, this rain is expected to benefit crops and vegetables in the region. The cold weather has forced people to stay indoors, relying on fires to keep warm. In the Darma, Chaudas, and Vyas valleys of Dharchula, the snowfall has significantly increased the cold, compelling villagers to remain inside their homes.
Weather has been beneficial for crops
Interestingly, the continuous rain for three days in Haridwar has brought cheer to the farmers, as it has significantly benefited the crops. Farmers are hopeful that the rain will help their crops flourish, providing the necessary water and eliminating various diseases. This weather event has been particularly beneficial for crops like oilseeds, pulses, wheat, peas, gram, vegetables, and potatoes.
