Snow disappears from Om Parvat for the first time: ‘Can trigger a cascade of changes’, says expert

For the first time, Om Parvat, a revered mountain in Uttarakhand’s Vyas Valley known for its snow-clad appearance and distinctive ‘Om’ shape, was completely devoid of snow last week. This unexpected phenomenon left visitors bewildered and concerned, as the hill, perched at an altitude of around 14,000 feet, has traditionally been blanketed in snow. 

According to a report by PTI, a visitor said, “It was really disappointing to see Om Parvat which has a reputation of being eternally clad in snow, utterly devoid of it when I went there on August 16.”

Director of GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sunil Nautiyal, explained the vanishing snow in the Himalayas. He pointed to rising temperatures in the region’s fragile ecosystems, citing two main factors: the growing number of fuel-powered vehicles and the broader effects of global warming.

“To check this, we will have to determine the bearing capacity of all sensitive places of the high Himalayan region as well as rampant forest fires as carbon generated by forest fires is also damaging the sensitive spots in the Himalayan region,” he told PTI.

While a fresh snowfall on Monday night brought some relief, the incident sheds light on the pressing environmental challenges facing the Himalayan region.

Dilip Kumar Rai, environmentalist, Sikkim, says, “The complete disappearance of snow from Om Parvat for the first time is a significant environmental marker, reflecting broader changes happening across the Himalayas.”

Specific factors have contributed to the complete disappearance of snow from Om Parvat

According to Rai, the most immediate factor is the “warming climate.” He mentions, “Studies have shown that the Himalayan region is warming at a rate faster than the global average. As temperatures rise, the snowline retreats, and glaciers and snow caps that were once permanent are now shrinking or disappearing.”

In addition to rising temperatures, he states, changes in precipitation patterns have played a significant role. The Himalayan region has seen a shift from snowfall to rainfall, particularly during what were traditionally the colder months. This shift reduces the accumulation of snow on peaks like Om Parvat.

“Glacial retreat, reduced snowfall, and changes in monsoon patterns are all interconnected consequences of global warming and local environmental impacts. For Om Parvat, these broader changes mean that its snow cover is no longer stable, reflecting a larger crisis in the region’s climate health,” informs Rai.

Without snow, the exposed ground is more susceptible to erosion (Source: Freepik)

Impact of disappearance of snow on Om Parvat on the local ecosystem and biodiversity 

Snow cover plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance in high-altitude environments, and its absence can trigger a cascade of changes, admits Rai. 

He notes, “Snow and glaciers act as natural reservoirs, slowly releasing water into rivers and streams as they melt. This meltwater is crucial for sustaining local flora and fauna, as well as for agriculture and drinking water. The absence of snow reduces this water availability, potentially leading to water stress during drier months and affecting both wildlife and human communities.”

The unique alpine habitats that depend on cold conditions and consistent snow cover are at risk. Many plant and animal species are adapted to specific temperature ranges and moisture conditions, which are disrupted when snow disappears. This can, in turn, impact herbivores that feed on these plants and the predators that depend on those herbivores, creating a ripple effect through the food chain.

Rai adds, “Snow also protects the soil from erosion and helps maintain soil moisture. Without snow, the exposed ground is more susceptible to erosion, which can degrade the land and lead to loss of fertile soil. This further impacts plant growth and can exacerbate the decline in local biodiversity.”

Om Parvat At Night pic.twitter.com/jr5Wcf2PS7

— OM Parvat (@ParvatOm) March 26, 2013

Measures that can be taken 

Some measures, as mentioned by Rai, include:

– Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Addressing climate change at the source by reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical. This involves both global agreements like the Paris Agreement and local initiatives to shift towards renewable energy.

– Sustainable Tourism Practices: Implementing sustainable tourism practices can help mitigate some of the local environmental impacts. This includes promoting eco-friendly travel options, limiting the number of visitors during sensitive periods, and encouraging tourists to follow responsible behaviours.

– Conservation and Reforestation: Protecting existing forests and undertaking reforestation projects can help absorb carbon dioxide and provide a buffer against climate impacts. Reforestation also helps stabilise soil, supports biodiversity, and improves local microclimates.

– Monitoring and Research: Increased monitoring and research into the specific changes happening in the Himalayas can help inform policy and conservation efforts. Understanding the precise factors driving snow loss on peaks like Om Parvat allows for targeted actions that address the most critical threats.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.