Few visitors reach snowsports destination after recent snowfall
Monday, 23 January 2023 | PNS | JOSHIMATH
Generally, the snowfall in the mountains attracts a number of tourists and local businesses register a rise in income. However, due to the subsidence being experienced in Joshimath, the recent snowfall in Auli did not result in the usual rise in tourism. Apart from the effect being felt on the tourism business, even the local market has been considerably affected. Rented accommodations have been vacated by the tenants while the local bazaar too appears to be without the activity and enthusiasm which heats up the local scene amidst the winter chill.
Locals point out that in the past snowfall forecast for Auli would bring tourists to the region but the scene is different this time. Despite the recent snowfall, the famous snowsports destination of Auli wears a deserted look. There were only a few visitors in Auli on Sunday despite the clear skies. The Joshimath-Auli ropeway was closed down in the initial stages of subsidence in Joshimath when one of the towers of the ropeway was also found to have been affected by the problem. The road is the only way to reach Auli at present. The Joshimath-Auli road has been transferred to the Border Roads Organisation. The asaphaltisation of the road has already been done and after the snowfall, the BRO workers swiftly started clearing the snow from the motor road. The BRO is also sprinkling salt and urea to tackle the forst. However, the arrival of tourists in the area remains affected by subsidence and the resulting confusion caused by it.
