Shimla, Jan. 28 -- The recent spell of unexpected and extremely heavy snowfall and rain across Himachal Pradesh, while bringing much-needed relief to farmers and orchard owners, turned into a nightmare for thousands of tourists and pilgrims travelling to hill destinations and religious shrines.
With snow-clearance work progressing at a snail's pace due to limited resources, the crisis severely tested the resolve, vigilance, and physical endurance of field-level officials, many of whom rose to the occasion with extraordinary dedication.
Several stranded tourists have been uploading videos on social media, showing how they took refuge in unnamed shelters such as old forts, temples, shrines, and abandoned buildings, often without food, elect...