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Snowfall paralyses normal life in Kullu

          Kullu (Himachal Pradesh): Life in the hill resort of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh has been paralysed by heavy snowfall. There was a thick layer of snow on treetops, buildings, roads and vehicles in the morning. Vehicles were stranded on the Kullu-Manali highway. The authorities say they are trying to restore public utilities. "For the past two-three days, there is heavy snowfall. All arrangements are being made by the administration. The Kullu- Manali National Highway is open for traffic. All machineries are deployed on the roads to Manali," said Vinay Thakur, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Manali. Tourists, who were initially happy with the unexpected snowfall, became restless as the chill bit into their skin and the power supply crashed. "We have come from Gujarat . We are facing a lot of difficulties here. There is no electricity. If things continue like this, we will go back," said Vijay Patel, a tourist. Prices of essential commodities too have skyrocketed following the disruption of vehicular traffic. "There is a lot of problems. The rates of vegetables have risen," said Nimal Ram, a resident. The bad weather is being attributed to western disturbances over the higher reaches of the Himalayan region. Unseasonal rains and snowfall has led to a dipping of temperatures across northern India . According to the Met office, the weather would remain the same for the next 24 hours.
-March 14,  2007