Environmental concerns are also raised by the surge in tourism that followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Om Parvat in the previous year.
Om Parvat in Uttarakhand had snowfall for the first time last week, surprising both tourists and residents. This 14,000-foot mountain in the Vyas Valley, famous for its snow-shaped “Om” sign, is typically covered in snow throughout the year.
The absence of snow is attributed by experts to a number of environmental changes that have occurred over the past five years, including reduced rainfall, less snowfall, increasing car pollution, and the overall effects of global warming.
All of these elements have interfered with the state of this beloved landmark. Both locals and visitors complained about how the mountain’s look had changed significantly without its layer of snow. Many people who highly esteem the location have expressed their dismay at seeing Om Parvat, which is known for its snow, completely stripped naked, as expressed by a recent visitor.
Concerns have also been expressed over this incident’s possible impact on tourism, which is important to the local economy. Although there was some respite following Monday night’s snowfall, concerns of long-term alterations remain.
Changes in the Environment and Their Effects on Om Parvat
Organizing local pilgrimages for over twenty years, Dhan Singh Bisht has been with the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. He added that he has never witnessed a snowmelt this comprehensive. He pointed out that this year marked a significant shift in environmental patterns as the snow melted completely for the first time. Environmentalists and local leaders stress the importance of taking action to address these changes.
The director of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sunil Nautiyal, recommends addressing the extensive forest fires that are having an impact on the region’s changing climate as well as assessing the resilience of vulnerable Himalayan regions.
Environmental concerns are also raised by the surge in tourism that followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Om Parvat in the previous year. A local named Krishna Garbiyal highlighted how crucial it is to implement tourism policies in order to preserve the area’s natural harmony and holiness, saying, “The number of tourists has increased tenfold since the Prime Minister’s visit.”
