Bajura Blanketed in Snow as Winter Weather Sets In

Dhangadhi: A significant change in weather since Wednesday has brought snowfall to the Lekali region of Bajura, impacting various municipalities in the district. The unexpected weather shift, accompanied by rainfall, resulted in snowfall in lower areas of all nine municipalities.

Farmers in the region, experiencing precipitation after a five-month dry spell, are elated with the snow and rain. Notable snowfall has been reported in Vichchyan and Rugin of Himali Rural Municipality in the Eastern Northern Region, as well as Lekali High Lekali of Budhinanda Municipality, Gaumul Rural Municipality, and other areas.

The heavy snowfall has made life challenging in many parts of the high Himalayan region since Wednesday night. While some municipalities experienced setamme conditions since late November, others have encountered such conditions since mid-January in recent years. Reports indicate simultaneous rainfall and snowfall in Himali Rural Municipality, Badimalika Municipality, Gaumul Rural Municipality, Triveni Municipality, Khaptad Chededah Rural Municipality, Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality, and Jagannath Rural Municipality.

The locals have expressed difficulty in procuring firewood after the rain and snow, complicating daily life. The headquarters of Martadi and several schools have been affected, disrupting studies for students facing challenges due to the cold and snow.

However, farmers, who have grappled with a prolonged lack of rain, are finding relief with the recent heavy snowfall and rain. Kamal Rawal, a farmer from Badimalika Municipality-3 Razali, shared that the winter rains have proven beneficial for various crops planted in the hilly areas.

Meen Prasad Jaishi, Acting Office Head of the District Agricultural Knowledge Center, emphasized that the precipitation would benefit farmers cultivating a variety of food crops, fruits, and vegetables. Nevertheless, transport services on the Martadi Kolti road section, connecting four local levels of the northern region and some local levels of Humla, Mugu, and Kalikot, have been disrupted due to snowfall.

In the aftermath of the rains and snowfall, wildlife poaching is expected to surge as animals descend to lower altitudes to escape the cold in the Lekali region. The Division Forest Office has expressed concerns about the increased likelihood of poaching, especially targeting animals seeking shelter from the cold, such as deer and red deer.

Subash Chandra Ayadi, Information Officer of the Division Forest Office, assured that measures would be taken to prevent poaching, involving the deployment of security personnel. He emphasized that any instances of poaching would be dealt with according to the Forest Act.