Last Updated:
Global Warming Impact on Himalaya: Winters have started, but the changing form of Himalayas is surprising people this time. While every year around December the mountains used to be covered with a white blanket of snow, this time the dry and black looking peaks are raising concerns. This unwanted change in the weather is forcing not only the travelers but also the people living in hilly areas to think.
Nainital: The Himalayas, which were once covered with white snow in the beginning of December-January, are now surprising people with their changing form. Even till the end of November the mountain ranges are looking almost dry. Whereas tourists used to come to admire the sparkling snow laden mountains, this time the view of the black mountains is disappointing them. An even bigger concern is for the people living in hilly areas, whose life, water sources and weather balance depend on snowfall.
Meteorologists say that there are many big reasons behind less snowfall in the Himalayas this time. Continuous increase in global temperature, effect of El Nino and weakening western disturbances, all these are making the climate abnormal. Whereas earlier every week the westerly winds brought moisture to the mountains and dropped fresh snow, this time these winds remained weak. The result is less rainfall, less snowfall and unusually dry weather.
the peaks look black
Nainital resident nature lover and tracker Pankaj Verma, who has been setting up shop in Himalaya Darshan for the last three decades, says that he has never seen such weather change before in his life. He told that 10-12 years ago, at this time, all the peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Mactoli, Panchachuli were covered with white snow. And tourists never got tired of capturing these beautiful scenes in their cameras. But this time the colors of the mountains have changed, black rocks are visible instead of snow peaks. There is very little snow in the Himalayan peaks.
Global warming is the reason
Pankaj says that global warming is no longer just a subject of books and research, but can be clearly felt directly on the peaks of the Himalayas. Due to increase in temperature, glaciers are melting rapidly, snowfall is happening late and its effect is clearly visible on agriculture and water sources. The changing mood of the Himalayas is not just a warning, but a big threat to the future. Experts believe that if this pace continues, then both the ecology and mountain life of the Himalayas may be in serious trouble in the coming years.
