By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 23 Jan: Heavy snowfall since Friday morning in Mussoorie has covered the entire town in a blanket of white. While locals are surprised by the sudden change in weather, tourists visiting Mussoorie are experiencing tremendous excitement. The snow-covered roads, hills, and pine trees add to the beauty of Mussoorie. This snowfall is a blessing for Mussoorie residents who have been waiting for rain and snowfall for a long time.
According to locals, the region has not received any rain for the past three months, which has increased the dry cold and farmers have suffered heavy crop losses. Now, the snowfall will increase moisture in the soil, directly benefiting wheat, potato, and other Rabi crops. This snowfall has also brought relief from health problems. People are now hopeful of getting some relief from the skin, eye, and respiratory diseases that have been increasing due to the dry cold. The melting snow will increase the water level in natural springs and waterfalls, reducing the risk of a drinking water crisis in the coming months. Tourists visiting Mussoorie are thoroughly enjoying the snowfall. Many reported experiencing snowfall for the first time in their lives. People were seen playing in the snow, building snowmen, and capturing the beautiful scenery on camera. Hotels, homestays, and tourist destinations have returned to their usual hustle and bustle. Hundreds of tourists from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan stepped out onto their hotel balconies in the morning to find snow everywhere. Many tourists reported experiencing snowfall for the first time in their lives. People were seen playing in the snow with their children, building snowmen, and capturing these special moments on their mobile phones. Photos and videos of the snowfall in Mussoorie are rapidly going viral on social media.
This snowfall has brought both relief and joy to the locals. Mussoorie had seen neither rain nor snow for the past three months, increasing the dry cold and increasing the worries of farmers and businessmen. The sudden snowfall has brought moisture to the weather, and farmers are expected to benefit from it.
The police and administration are on full alert in view of the increased crowds and traffic congestion due to the snowfall. Municipal Council President Meera Saklani stated that the number of tourists in Mussoorie is expected to increase rapidly after the snowfall. Prioritising the convenience and safety of tourists, coordination has been established with the police. JCB machines have been deployed at major intersections and roads in the city to remove snow immediately if needed.
Mussoorie Police Inspector Devendra Chauhan stated that additional police force has been deployed in the city in view of the snowfall. Special vigil is being maintained on the Mussoorie-Dhanaulti road to prevent accidents or traffic jams due to slippery conditions. He urged tourists to avoid risky areas and enjoy the snowfall only in safe locations.
Mussoorie Traders Welfare Association President Rajat Agarwal stated that the snowfall will have a direct and positive impact on the tourism business. The tourism business, which had been sluggish for a long time, is now expected to see a pick-up in hotel bookings, taxis, and local businesses. The weekend is expected to further increase tourist numbers in the coming days.
Overall, this snowfall in Mussoorie is not only enhancing its natural beauty but also proving extremely beneficial for agriculture, tourism, trade, and water resources. The Queen of the Hills is once again in full splendour.
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