Expect heavy snow from Feb 6-9

The prediction has,however,brought cheers to farmers,horticulturists and the public at large as the worries of facing second consecutive drought had started to build up. Rainfall and hailstorm have been forecast at many places in lower areas of the state.

“Looking at the intensity of western disturbances,the effect will be widespread across Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal. There are chances that many places in Shimla district could record a minimum of up to 2 feet snow. The disturbance will persist after February 6 night,when the maximum precipitation will happen. Chamba,Lahaul-Spiti,Kullu and Kinnaur may witness more than three-foot snowfall,” said Met Director,Shimla,Manmohan Singh.

Shimla district has not seen widespread heavy snowfall in the last decade. The government is geared up to handle emergencies,if any.

“Under the provisions of the Snow Manual (an official document that entails detailed responsibilities and tasks necessary for the administration in time of snowfall),a 24-hour control room for the district on toll free number 1077 has already started functioning. Besides,official landline and mobile numbers of the deputy commissioner (0177-2655988 and 9816228228) and the superintendent of police (0177-2656535 and 9418024453) will function as 24-hour mobile control rooms,” said Shimla Deputy Commissioner J S Rana.

Additional Chief Secretary Avay Shukla said: “All districts administrations are already geared up for the winter exigencies like electricity,water,fuel and food supplies.”

The weathermen said the western disturbance was likely to recede after February 9.