Shimla, Manali turn white on Christmas as snowfall boosts tourism, causes disruptions

Tourist hotspots Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, along with parts of Jammu and Kashmir, have been blanketed by fresh snowfall, creating a picturesque white wonderland. While the snowfall has drawn an influx of tourists eager to celebrate a "white Christmas," it has also led to significant disruptions, including road closures and vehicle accidents.

The Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operation Centre reported the closure of over 200 roads due to heavy snowfall, with Shimla accounting for 145 roadblocks, followed by Kullu (25) and Mandi (20).

Additionally, 356 electricity transformers were out of service in certain areas, leaving parts of the state without power. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh assured that 268 machines, including two snow blowers, were actively working to clear the roads and manage the heavy tourist traffic.

The snowfall has resulted in a surge in hotel bookings, with occupancy in Shimla climbing above 70 per cent, according to MK Seth, president of the Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders' Association. The snowfall reportedly boosted room bookings by 30 per cent.

Tourists stranded near the Atal Tunnel were safely evacuated by late Monday, as confirmed by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management) Onkar Sharma. He urged travelers to follow local advisories and refrain from driving in snowy conditions.

Despite the festive atmosphere, accidents caused by skidding vehicles have claimed four lives and left several injured in the past 24 hours. Reports also indicated that upper Shimla remained disconnected from the capital city due to slippery roads, with only four-wheel-drive vehicles permitted to operate.

The Meteorological Department has forecast further rain and snow in some areas, particularly Shimla, from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, with peak precipitation expected on Saturday. Authorities continue to caution visitors to prioritize safety amid the challenging weather conditions.

Social media has been abuzz with stunning images of Shimla and Manali under a thick blanket of snow, capturing the dual nature of the season as both a joy for tourists and a test of resilience for locals and authorities.