SHIMLA: Seldom during winter does the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range in Himachal wear a barren, snowless look. However, this winter is unlike anyone else as a continued dry spell in the state has become a serious cause of concern for the locals as well as the tourism industry in the Kangra Valley, which is popular with visitors from across the country and overseas.
No rain or snowfall has been recorded in December and January, which are considered peak winter months, in the McLeodganj, Bhagsu Nag, Naddi and Dhramkot regions of Dharamshala. With popular tourist hot spots going snowless and largely bereft of sights one associates with this time of the year, the rush of visitors has come down to a trickle.
Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Ashwani Bamba, president of Himachal’s Hotels and Restaurants Association, said, “The dry weather has badly affected our hospitality sector. We are desperately waiting for some snowfall. It is our only fall-back option to meet our drinking water needs…