Uttarakhand's Snow Famine: Bare Himalayas Spark Concern, Hope for New Year Snow

• Uttarakhand's Himalayan peaks are unusually bare and dry this winter, leading to a "snow famine" impacting tourism and livelihoods.
• Shrines like Kedarnath and Badrinath, and ski resorts like Auli, lack their usual snow cover, disappointing tourists and affecting local businesses.
• Weather expert Professor Dr Chandramohan attributes the snow absence to weak western disturbances failing to intensify winter conditions.
• IMD and experts predict a strong western disturbance from December 31st, bringing heavy snowfall to high-altitude regions and rain to plains.
• Debate exists whether the dry spell is due to climate change, with scientists noting shifting patterns, or a normal weather cycle as IMD suggests.

Why It Matters: Uttarakhand faces a severe snow shortage, impacting all, but New Year brings hope for heavy snowfall.