A sudden spell of heavy snowfall blanketed Manali, Himachal Pradesh, on Monday. As a result, many vehicles were stuck, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded between Solang and the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang.
Swift Rescue Operations
Due to the heavy snowfall, around 1,000 vehicles were caught in a long traffic jam. Consequently, police quickly launched a rescue operation. They managed to shift about 700 tourists to safer places.
Meanwhile, visuals from the area showed police personnel assisting drivers and travelers in navigating their vehicles. At the same time, local authorities coordinated efforts to ensure everyone’s safety.
Holiday Rush Intensifies Situation
The influx of tourists further complicated the situation. Many visitors had traveled to Manali to celebrate Christmas and New Year amidst snow-covered mountains. However, the unexpected snowfall created significant congestion.
Similarly, Shimla, another favorite destination, also experienced fresh snowfall. This transformed the city into a picturesque winter wonderland, attracting even more visitors.
Snowfall Revives Local Hopes
Notably, Shimla’s snowfall came after a two-week gap. This fresh snow not only delighted tourists but also brought renewed hope to local businesses. For instance, the tourism industry, struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic, saw a much-needed boost.
Additionally, many tourists extended their stay to enjoy the scenic beauty. While some initially planned to leave, they decided to remain and soak in the charm of a “White Christmas.” Consequently, local businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors are optimistic about an extended tourist season.
Visitors Express Their Joy
For many tourists, the snowfall was a magical experience. Hemant, a visitor from Rewari, Haryana, shared his excitement.
“The snowfall is such a beautiful sight. The weather is amazing. We didn’t expect this at all, but when we woke up this morning, there was snow. We were planning to leave, but now we’ve decided to stay longer. This is the first snowfall I’ve ever seen, and it’s a lifetime experience for me,” said Hemant.
Likewise, Pramod Yogi, a tourist from Faridabad, Haryana, described his emotions.
“The joy this snowfall has brought is beyond words. Experiencing the stunning beauty of nature for the first time in my life has been amazing. I urge everyone to visit this place and enjoy it. Watching the snowfall has been a thrilling experience, and I would recommend everyone to come here to witness and enjoy it,” he said.
