MUNNAR: Munnar, also known as South Kashmir, is having a freezing climate at a time when other parts of the state heat up day and night. The temperature dropped to minus at Munnar last day. The lowest temperature of the season was recorded at minus one in Munnar on Wednesday morning. Due to the heavy snowfall, the tea plantations in and around the Chenduvara estate were stunted. This is the second time in two years that February has been so cold. On February 12 last year, the temperature at Lakshmi Estate had dropped to minus two degrees. On December 28, a temperature of one degree was recorded in Chenduvara. This time there was no snowfall, which is usually seen in January. The cold in Munnar is expected to intensify in the coming days as well.

Fewer tourists

Due to Covid restrictions, the number of tourists coming to enjoy the cold climate this time is very low. In addition, Eravikulam National Park has been closed since the first day of the breeding season of Nilgiri Tahr. The park will be open to the public from mid-March.

Affect tea production

Climate change will significantly affect tea production in Munnar. The previous day's snowfall had destroyed tea plants in many areas, including Chenduvara. About 200 hectares of tea plantations have been destroyed so far this season. It will take 40-60 days for it to return to normal. Munnar accounts for half of the total tea production in Kerala. The production of tea in a season is 60- 65 million kg.