Snowfall in higher reaches of Uttarakhand adds to chill

Dehradun: Snowfall in the higher reaches of Uttarakhand hills and isolated drizzle in lower areas on Friday caused the mercury to plunge at various places across the state.

The sky remained overcast in Dehradun, adding to chill. Higher reaches of Chamoli district including the Himalayan shrine of Badrinath received fresh snow while icy winds swept the whole district bringing about a sharp drop in mercury, the Disaster Management office in Gopeshwar said.

Lower areas in the district received light showers making people shiver, it said.

However, the drizzle came as a relief to farmers who were apprehensive about damage to wheat crops due to deficit rain this winter.

Tourists in Joshimath, Auli, Gwaldam and Lohjang were delighted as they received news about fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Chamoli district.