Key Points

The Dhauladhar mountain range has received its first snowfall of the season, signaling the arrival of winter in Himachal Pradesh. This comes as a welcome change after the devastating monsoon floods that recently claimed 55 lives in Kangra district. The floods caused extensive damage worth ₹603 crore, destroying hundreds of homes and critical infrastructure. Temperatures in Dharamshala have now dropped to 14-15°C, creating pleasant weather conditions across the region.

Key Points: Dhauladhar Snowfall Brings Relief After Kangra Flood Damage

  • Dhauladhar range receives mild snowfall with temperatures dropping to 14-15°C in Dharamshala
  • Recent monsoon floods claimed 55 lives and caused massive infrastructure damage
  • Total estimated losses stand at ₹603 crore across multiple government departments
  • Structural damage includes complete destruction of 207 houses and partial damage to 1,202 more
  • Public Works Department suffered highest damage at ₹298 crore among all affected departments
2 min read

Himachal Pradesh: Dhauladhar Mountain range receives snowfall, temperature dips

Early snowfall covers Dhauladhar range as temperatures drop to 14°C in Dharamshala, bringing respite after monsoon floods claimed 55 lives and caused ₹603 crore damage.

"The weather has begun to change, and soon winter will start in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh - Weather Report"

Dharamshala, October 3

The Dhauladhar mountains received mild snowfall and rain in the lower regions of Kangra valley last night.

After the change in the climatic conditions, the temperature took a dip near Dharamshala. The weather has begun to change, and soon winter will start in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh. The minimum temperature in the Dharamshala region has touched 14-15 degrees Celsius today.

The Kangra district was recently impacted by severe rainfall between June 20 and September 15, 2025, claiming the lives of 55 individuals, according to the Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa.

According to DC Bairwa, the total estimated loss recorded during this period stands at Rs. 60,310.225 lakh (Rs. 603 crore). In addition to human casualties, 215 livestock deaths were reported. Structural damage includes the complete destruction of 180 kutcha (mud) houses and 27 pucca (concrete) houses, while 1,076 kutcha and 126 pucca houses suffered partial damage.

The rainfall caused widespread damage to other infrastructure, including 1,388 cowsheds, 74 labour sheds, kitchens, bathrooms, and 33 shops during the time period.

Department-wise losses were substantial, with the Public Works Department (PWD) reporting the highest damage at Rs. 29,808 lakh. The Irrigation and Drinking Water Department faced losses of Rs. 26,315 lakh, while the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board incurred damages worth Rs. 627 lakh. The Rural Development Department reported losses of Rs. 1,126 lakh, the Health Department Rs. 280 lakh, Agriculture Rs. 188.83 lakh, and Horticulture Rs. 2.91 lakh. Dharamshala Municipal Corporation alone faced damages exceeding Rs. 620 lakh.

The weather conditions are quite pleasant after the mild snowfall on the night of October 2 on the Dhauladhar mountain range in Himachal Pradesh, after the state faced a massive climatic disruption in the previous months.

The Dhauladhar mountain range is a part of the Lesser Himalayas in northern India. The stretch begins from the Shivalik hills and is located at the north of Kangra and Mandi. Serving as the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, the town of Dharamshala is the administrative centre of Kangra district, situated on the southern slopes of the Kangra Valley, while Chamba lies to its north.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The timing of this snowfall is concerning. October snowfall is quite early for Dhauladhar. Climate change is really showing its effects in our Himalayan states. We need better disaster management systems.
A
Arjun K
Just returned from Dharamshala last week! The weather was perfect. This early snowfall will make the mountains look absolutely breathtaking. Perfect time for photography enthusiasts! 📸
S
Sarah B
The infrastructure damage numbers are staggering - over 600 crores! While the snowfall is beautiful, I hope the authorities are prioritizing rebuilding the damaged roads and water systems before winter sets in properly.
V
Vikram M
My family in Kangra district is still recovering from the floods. The snowfall brings some relief from the heat but also worries about accessibility during winter. Hope the administration has proper plans for remote areas.
M
Michael C
The contrast between the devastating floods and this beautiful snowfall shows how unpredictable mountain weather has become. Himachal needs sustainable development policies that respect the fragile ecosystem.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50