Hailstorm wreaks havoc on crops, fruits
Dhankuta/ Dolakha, March 12
Hailstorm following heavy rainfall last evening had destroyed seasonal vegetables and fruits worth Rs 16 crore in Dhankuta.
The rainfall and hailstones destroyed seasonal crops planted in 1,200 hectare land in Chhatharjorpati Rural Municipality. Rural municipality Chief Khageshwor Timilsina said the hailstorm destroyed seasonal vegetables and fruits worth Rs 10 crore. He said farmers had been facing enough problems due to prolonged drought and the hailstorm had added to their plight. “The farmers are anxious after their vegetables were destroyed by hailstones,” he added.
Similarly, seasonal vegetables worth Rs six crore was destroyed in Mahalaxmi Municipality. Mayor Parsuram Nepal of the municipality said complete details had yet to reach the office. He said agriculture technicians were deployed in the field to collect details. “We will make the details public after they submit their report,” he added.
It is reported that the hailstorm and rain also destroyed seasonal vegetables in other parts of the district.
Meanwhile, life has been hit hard due to the hailstorm last night in the hilly areas of Dolakha. Tourist destinations such as Kalinchowk, Sailung, Jiri, Khawa, Gaurishankar, Cherdung and Kharidhunga, among other places, received snowfall.
Hotelier Damber Tamang said that Kalinchowk temple and its surroundings were covered with two-feet deep snow. “Tension has increased among farmers due to the hailstorm while hotel entrepreneurs appear happy because tourist flow will increase due to snowfall,” he added.
Moti Prasad Chaulagain, a farmer at Bhimeshwor Municipality, said the electricity service has also been obstructed in the northern parts of Dolakha following the storm.
