Ooty shivers as temperature drops to below zero, tourism thrives; but farmers are wary
The snowfall has adversely affected the growth of tea plants, which are one of the main crops in Ooty.
The snowfall has adversely affected the growth of tea plants, which are one of the main crops in Ooty.
The snowfall has adversely affected the growth of tea plants, which are one of the main crops in Ooty.
Gudallur: The temperature in Ooty has plummeted below zero degrees Celsius, drawing tourists to the hilly paradise en masse. Meanwhile, minus one was recorded in areas like Kuthirapanthaya ground, which is the lowest region in Ooty, as well as in Kandhal and Thalaikundha.
Tourists have been flocking to the hills of Ooty to enjoy the extremely cold weather. These areas are covered in a thick blanket of mist from 6 - 8 am. The crystal ice dews would melt into cold water when the sun rises.
Tourists from Kerala reach Thalaikundha and other lower areas of Ooty as early as 5 am to enjoy the thick mist. Although the misty and cold weather is loved by tourists, the farmers of Ooty aren’t happy. The snowfall has adversely affected the growth of tea plants, which are one of the main crops in Ooty. The tea leaves dry or wither away in the snowfall.
The changing weather has also affected the cultivation of winter vegetables. The farmers water the crops using sprinklers in the early morning when it is misty. The plants must be watered before the sun rises to prevent the leaves from getting dried.