Uttarakhand’s Om Parvat goes snowless for first time, sparking climate change concerns

For the first time, Uttarakhand’s iconic Om Parvat was completely devoid of snow last week, raising alarms among both locals and tourists. This unusual occurrence has been attributed to a combination of factors, including insufficient rainfall, sporadic snowfall in the upper Himalayan region over the past five years, rising vehicular pollution, and the broader impacts of global warming.

Situated at an altitude of around 14,000 feet in the Vyas Valley, Om Parvat is renowned for the natural snow pattern that resembles the Hindi symbol ‘Om’. This unique formation has long been a magnet for pilgrims and tourists from across the country. However, on August 16, visitors were left disheartened at the sight of the snowless peak, a sight never before witnessed.

The annual snow melting rate, typically ranging from 95-99%, reached a full 100% this year, leaving Om Parvat completely bare. Experts view this as a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis. Sunil Nautiyal, Director of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment in Almora, highlighted that increasing temperatures due to vehicular emissions and global warming are severely affecting the eco-sensitive zones in the Himalayas. He emphasized the urgent need for protective measures, such as assessing the carrying capacity of tourist sites and managing forest fires, which release harmful carbon into the fragile ecosystem.

The absence of snow on Om Parvat has also raised concerns about its impact on the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism driven by the mountain’s snow-capped beauty. Though snowfall on Monday night temporarily restored some of the snow, the underlying environmental issues persist.

This event is a wake-up call, underscoring the urgent need to tackle climate change and protect the delicate Himalayan ecosystem. Comprehensive efforts are needed to address these challenges, including reducing emissions, promoting sustainable tourism, and implementing strict regulations to safeguard the region for future generations. Prioritizing actions such as managing forest fires, limiting vehicle use, and assessing the carrying capacity of sensitive areas are crucial steps toward mitigating the problem.