By IANS,
Shimla : This Himachal Pradesh capital and its nearby hills Wednesday experienced the first snowfall of the season, bringing smiles on the faces of the hotel owners who were hopeful that tourists will visit in large numbers.
“Shimla and its nearby hills have been receiving moderate snowfall since 7 a.m. this (Wednesday) morning. This is the first snowfall of the season in Shimla,” Manmohan Singh, director of the meteorological office here, told IANS.
He said Shimla’s commercial centre The Mall, the historic Ridge and Jakhu hills received good snowfall as compared to lower areas of the city.
“Nearby tourist spots like Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda also experienced good snowfall, turning the hill stations more picturesque,” Singh said.
However, other tourist spots like Manali in Kullu district and Kasauli in Solan district did not receive snowfall.
The season’s first snowfall has brought cheers on the faces of hospitality industry, which was reeling under losses due to lack of snow.
“Now (after the snowfall) we are hopeful that the tourists will return to the erstwhile summer capital of British India,” said D.P. Bhatia, general manager of Clarke’s Hotel.
A met official said there were reports of moderate to heavy snowfall in higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu and Chamba districts.