Uttarakhand finally witnessed the much-awaited snowfall in the last 48 hours as several hill areas, including chardham shrines Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath, were laden with the snow for the first time in this season.

The shower coupled with the snow is billed to be a timely gift for the rabi and horticulture crops of the state.

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Incessant rain and snowfall in the state since Tuesday night covered to the high peaks of the state with sheets of white snow for the first time in this season. Locations in Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers in Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Uttarakashi districts were covered with sheets of the snow.

Thick snowfall was also reported from the much sought-after tourist places like, Surkanda Devi, Dhanolti, New Tehri, Rudranath, Lal Mati, Nanda Ghunghati, Auli, Gorson and Neeti and Mana valleys.

Local metrological department has informed that the delayed rain and snow have brought cheers on the faces of farmers and people in Uttarakhand. This has not only brought the much-needed relief to the people from dry cold but will also prove a crop and orchards saver as well.

Besides, tour operators and tourism based business persons across the state are happy with the delayed snowfall as they expect a rise in tourist footfall in coming days. State’s well known skiing destination Auli too regained its snowy shape much to the delight of tourists and local traders in the region.

Roads along Jankichatti, Narayan Puri, Phoolchatti and Kharshaligaon area route Yamunotri bore captivating scenic look in Garhwal region.

Meanwhile, heavy rains and snowfalls continued in both Kumaon and Garhwal regions on Thursday resulting in disruption of electricity supply in several areas. However, while heavy snowfall was witnessed in higher hills, queen of the hills Mussoorie still awaits its first snowfall of the season even as neighbouring places Chakrata and Dhanolti continued to have rain and snow.

Several hills in Chamoli and Garhwal regions have caused steep dip in mercury levels across the state. Dehradun also witnessed strong cold winds and rains along with several river bank towns and suburbs. According to the Weather Department officials, the rain will continue in the first week of February.