Om Parvat’s Snow-Capped Beauty At Risk: Tourism And Local Economy Impacted
Om Parvat's Snow-Capped Beauty At Risk: Tourism And Local Economy Impacted
August 28, 2024
For the first time in documented history, snow has vanished from Om Parvat in Uttarakhand, raising serious concerns among environmentalists and local residents. Om Parvat, situated in the Vyas Valley at around 14,000 feet above sea level, is famous for its snow-covered peak that naturally resembles the symbol “Om.” This distinctive characteristic has made it a favored spot for both tourists and pilgrims. However, recent observations reveal that the mountain is entirely snowless, a situation attributed to various environmental factors.
Experts have identified low rainfall and sporadic snowfall in the upper Himalayan region over the last five years as the main factors behind this unusual occurrence. There has been a notable reduction in precipitation, which has directly affected the snow cover on Om Parvat. Furthermore, rising vehicular pollution and global warming have worsened the situation.
Sunil Nautiyal, the Director of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment in Almora, pointed out that increasing temperatures in the eco-sensitive zones of the Himalayas play a significant role. He stressed that the growing number of fuel-driven vehicles and rampant forest fires have led to the deterioration of these delicate areas.
Local residents and tourists have voiced their shock and disappointment at the sight of Om Parvat without snow. Urmila Sanwal, a resident of Gunji village, shared images of the barren peak, remarking that the “Om” shaped pattern was hardly recognizable without the snow cover.
Dhan Singh Bisht, who manages the Adi Kailash Yatra base camp in Dharchula, mentioned that in his 22 years with the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, he had never witnessed Om Parvat completely snow-free. Previously, the annual snow melting rate at Om Parvat ranged from 95-99%, but this year, it has entirely melted away.
The implications of this phenomenon go beyond environmental issues. The region’s tourism, which heavily depends on the appeal of Om Parvat’s snow-capped summit, might decline if the lack of snow continues. The local economy, reliant on the influx of tourists and pilgrims, could face serious difficulties. An official from the district administration in Pithoragarh expressed relief when snowfall on a recent Monday night temporarily restored some snow cover on Om Parvat. However, the root causes of the snow’s disappearance remain unresolved.
The absence of snow on Om Parvat serves as a stark reminder of the wider effects of climate change. The Himalayan region, known for its delicate ecosystem, is especially susceptible to shifts in temperature and precipitation. Rising global temperatures have resulted in glacier melting and decreased snowfall, impacting not just the natural beauty but also the entire ecosystem.
