PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Jyotirmath/Uttarkashi After a winter marked by inadequate rain and snowfall, the higher reaches of the State have been covered in a blanket of white after snowfall which began on Sunday evening. In Chamoli district, Badrinath, Auli, Hemkund/Lokpal, the Valley of Flowers and the Niti-Mana valley were covered in snow. The snowfall after the departure of winter has caused a drop in the temperatures in both the high altitude and lower regions of this mountainous district. The fresh snowfall in Auli is attracting tourists eager to enjoy the snow and related activities. The snowfall was not restricted to the prominent high altitude regions. Remote villages in the district like Pana and Irani also witnessed snowfall. In the Uttarkashi district, Gangotri Dham and other high altitude locations witnessed light snowfall with rain and cold winds being experienced in the lower altitudes. The weather took a turn in the district on Sunday night with snowfall in Gangotri and its main halts including Harshil and Mukhba along with other high altitude locations. The lower altitudes have been witnessing rain since Sunday evening and this combined with snowfall in the higher reaches has brought the temperature down by a few notches. The rain has not only brought relief from the heat but has also boosted the morale of farmers. The farmers here state that the rain has brought moisture to the soil in their farms which will benefit wheat and other Rabi crops. The impact of the change in the weather is not limited to well known locations as remote villages in this border district have also witnessed a marked drop in temperatures during the morning and evening. The district administration and Disaster Management department are monitoring the weather and its impact. The officials concerned have been directed to ensure necessary preparations in case of sudden and drastic change in the weather.
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