Hospitality industry, apple growers upbeat

SHIMLA: Weather in mountains can be highly deceptive but as of now the hospitality industry and apple growers seem to be in an upbeat mood as rising temperatures bode more tourists to its pleasant climes. As for the orchardists, the chilling hours of the plants having been met, the warmth will mean timely flowering.
With Shimla recording day temperature of 22.6 degrees C, over 8.4 degrees above the normal, Bhuntar 29.5 degrees C about 8.5 degrees above normal, Kalpa in Kinnaur district showing mercury at 15.2 degrees C about three degrees above normal and Keylong 6.8 degrees C, also three degrees above normal indicate that the cold icy winds which lashed here just about a week ago are now past.Director met office Manmohan Singh said that the sudden rise in the day temperature was due to the fact that the dry and warm south-westerly winds were now blowing to the state from the west side raising the temperature.
However, the western disturbance, though a weak one would be active on weekend which could bring rain and snow in the higher reaches. However, hoteliers here feel as temperatures rises, there is a general tendency of the people to throng to the hills, and if it is over eight degrees above normal in Shimla at this time, the summers could be hot in the plains.
"The hospitality industry is gearing up for a peak summer season this time, and as there has been good snow, we also hope that there will be no water shortage for the floating population, which is a good omen", said Ajit Butail, incharge of the CII tourism cell. He hastened to add that the industry in itself, the tourism department and the state government will have to do some ground work to cater to the needs of the tourists. Former joint director of the Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, SP Bharadwaj, said that the apple plants had met their required chilling hours, which was necessary for a good crop.