Historic snow disappearance on Uttarakhand’s Om Parvat raises concerns

Last week Om Parvat in Uttarakhand was covered in snow for the first time leaving both visitors and locals surprised. This mountain known for its snow-shaped “Om” symbol located in the Vyas Valley at an elevation of 14,000 feet usually stays snow-capped all year round. Experts attribute the lack of snow to various environmental changes over the past five years such as decreased rainfall limited snowfall increased vehicle pollution and the overarching impacts of global warming.

These factors have collectively disrupted the condition of this cherished landmark. Residents and tourists expressed their dissatisfaction as the mountain’s appearance was notably altered without its snowy covering. A recent visitor commented “It was disheartening to see Om Parvat famous for its snow completely stripped bare” reflecting the feelings of many who hold the site in high regard. This incident has also raised concerns, about its potential effects on tourism that play a role in the local economy. While the return of snow after a snowfall on Monday night brought some relief worries about lasting changes persist.

Environmental Shifts and the Impact on Om Parvat

Dhan Singh Bisht, who has been with the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and organizing local pilgrimages for more than twenty years shared that he has never seen such a complete snow melt before. He noted that this year the snow melted entirely for the first time marking a notable change in environmental trends. Local officials and environmentalists emphasize the need to take steps to address these shifts.

Sunil Nautiyal, the Director of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment suggests evaluating the resilience of vulnerable Himalayan regions and tackling the widespread forest fires that are affecting the area’s changing climate. The increase in tourism, fueled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit last year is also viewed as putting strain on the environment around Om Parvat. Krishna Garbiyal, a resident underscored the importance of adopting tourism practices to maintain the region’s ecological balance and sanctity by stating, “The number of tourists has surged tenfold since the Prime Minister’s visit.”

With the changes taking place on the sacred mountain there is an increasing call to protect its cultural legacy. This plea underscores the significance of implementing measures not to address the effects of environmental deterioration.

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