SHIMLA/MANALI: Shimla received season’s first snowfall on Wednesday, spreading cheer among tourists and hoteliers. The lower hills of Himachal Pradesh, parts of Punjab and Haryana witnessed rain, bringing down temperatures by a few notches. However, the meteorological centre in Shimla has predicted dry weather Thursday onwards. However, the department has forecast shallow to moderate fog at a few places over the next three days in Haryana and Punjab. It has also issued warning for dense fog, which is likely at isolated places in the two states Most parts of upper Himachal Pradesh have been experiencing snowfall since Monday evening, making the state reel under intense cold wave conditions. The Mall Road and The Ridge received nearly 4cm of fresh snow, while Kufri had more than 10cm of snow. Snowfall has snapped all road links to the upper Shimla.The hotel industry of Shimla, which saw worst time this season, is hoping for a good time after this snowfall. Hoteliers expect the snow to draw tourist crowd to the city in the coming days. As Shimla is known for water shortage during summer season, the hoteliers hope to make up for lost business in the coming days.Intermittent snowfall also thrilled tourists in Manali town. The Solang ski slopes were covered with nearly 20cm of snow even as moderate snowfall on Jalori Pass blocked Kullu-Anni highway. Snow on the Rohtang Pass crossed the 60cm mark, blocking the Manali-Keylong highway for vehicular traffic. BRO, which removed snow from the Rohtang Pass three times this year, has already said that it will not clear snow now until summer season.Kalpa in Kinnaur has received 6cm more snow on Wednesday. In Mandi, district police have issued an advisory against visiting Shikari Mata temple and Kamrunag temple, as the area is witnessing snowfall. Widespread snowfall in Lahaul-Spiti has not only crippled traffic but also affected internet services. There is no internet connectivity in most parts of Lahaul and BSNL officials blame snowfall for damaging of optical fiber cable near Rohtang Pass. Kullu deputy commissioner Yunus said, “We are keeping an eye on the situation and are prepared to face any kind of situation due to heavy snowfall. Ration has already been supplied to people staying in higher regions. All departments are on alert.”

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