Manang faces unusual winter

As the winter season begins, the cold is gradually increasing across the country, especially in Himalayan districts like Manang. The rivers, streams, and springs in the region have started freezing, but there has been no snowfall this time. Local residents are surprised, as snowfall has failed to arrive during the expected time.

Farmers and locals are worried about the disruption of the regular weather cycle and the potential decrease in agricultural production. Yangdung Gurung, from Pisang in Manang’s Ngisyang Rural Municipality-1, said, “We rely on farming and animal husbandry for our livelihood. Without snow, there’s no water, and without water, there’s no farming. Lately, snowfall has stopped coming on time.”

According to Gurung, the lack of snow is causing an irrigation shortage, which is significantly impacting farming. A few years ago, snow would blanket the mountains, providing ample water, and farmers would be busy with rice and maize crops. Now, not only is the snow absent, but farmers are struggling to carry out their agricultural work as usual.

District Officer Matrika Acharya has expressed concern as well, noting that even though it is already mid-winter, there has been no snowfall. “In most areas of the district, water for drinking has even frozen due to the extreme cold, but there has been no snow. Farmers, who depend on nature for their crops, are disheartened,” Acharya said.

Vinod Gurung, president of the Manang Tourism Entrepreneurs’ Committee, has also noticed a change in the timing of snowfall in recent years. This shift has led to reduced production and a need for changes in farming practices. He remarked, “We used to rely on snowmelt for irrigation, but now, with no snow, we are facing a water shortage. Nature’s behavior has changed, and now we have to figure out how to adapt.”

Local resident Furva Chiring Lama also observed changes in the weather. “In the past, the snow would cover everything, making it hard to even step outside for work. Now, there is no snow, and the cold is just increasing. This is really strange,” he said.