Dolakha receives no snowfall this winter

By Sujan Kafle,Charikot, Feb. 4: In past, Dolakha used to receive heavy snowfall three times between November and January, but that is not the case this winter as it has not received a single snowfall as of February 1. 

Located in the upper hills, Dolakha is the district where snowfall is nothing unusual. The absence of snowfall this year has led the mountains looking barren, standing tall yet loosing crucial aesthetic snowy tops. On the larger issue, without snowfall, it has also significantly impacted the agricultural sector. 

Farmers of the region stated that light fluffy snow has little in the way of snow equivalent water, while heavy wet snow can add significant moisture to the soil, improving yield potential.

Hotel owners and entrepreneurs in Dolakha used to welcome a large number of internal and international tourists before. But, this year the hotels remain quiet, with a sharp drop in tourism activities around the regions, even in the Kalinchowk area. Arjun Ghimire, a hotel entrepreneur informed that even the most major tourist spots are empty, even during peak winter.

Popular tourist sites like Kalinchowk, Jiri, Sailung and Kharidhunga, which used be often  blanketed in snow like silver, lay barren this winter. January end is usually marked and is associated with snowfall, but this year there was no snow and the chances for snowfall in the next 15 days look slim this year. The usual biting cold that accompanies snowfall has not arrived either.

Raju Tamang, a local reminisces about the heavy snowfall in December and January in previous years. “Kalinchowk, Sailung and the surrounding villages used to be completely covered in snow. But this year, we have not even had a glimpse of it,” he said. Without snowfall, Dolakha’s mountain ranges resemble nothing but bare rocks like ‘Kalapaththar’ (black stone).

The Kalinchowk-Gaurishankar mountain region has lost much of its scenic beauty. Hotel owners in Dolakha reported a decline in both domestic and international tourists due to the lack of snow.

Kalinchowk is known for its religious and recreational spots, largely inviting visitors looking to enjoy the snow. It also has managed to attract many Indian tourists, who simply want to explore the snowy atmosphere.

 Snowfall is essential for natural irrigation for winter crops and absence of it has created a water shortage. Late snowfall can reduce crop yields and due to this, farmers in Dolakha are anxiously hoping snow.

Bishnu Subedi, a farmer from Makaibari in Bhimeshwar-7, says the lack of snowfall has impacted both tourism and agriculture. For local farmers, snowfall is no less than a boon. Snow cools the surface of the land in winter and when it seeps into deeper layers of the soil, it benefits the growth of crops.

Snowfall helps crops like wheat, barley, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower and leafy greens. It also helps control outbreaks of diseases in fruits and vegetables. However, with temperatures on rise, local farmers worry that even if snowfall does occur, it will not significantly benefit the crops.