For the first time ever, the beautiful Om Parvat in Uttarakhand was seen without any snow last week, which has caused a lot of concern among locals and visitors alike. Om Parvat is famous for the natural snow pattern that forms on its surface, resembling the Hindi word ‘Om.’ This unique feature has always drawn tourists and pilgrims from all over the country, making it a cherished destination in the Vyas Valley, sitting at around 14,000 feet. But on August 16, 2024, people were shocked and saddened to see the mountain completely bare, raising alarms about what this means for the environment.
The lack of snow on Om Parvat is being seen as a worrying sign of the ongoing climate crisis. Experts point to a mix of reasons for this unusual event, including reduced rainfall, less snowfall in the upper Himalayan region over the past five years, increased vehicular pollution, and the broader effects of global warming. Sunil Nautiyal, who is the Director of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment in Almora, explained how rising temperatures are taking a toll on the sensitive ecosystem of the Himalayas. He stressed the urgency of taking action, saying,
“The rise in vehicular emissions, along with global warming, is seriously harming the fragile ecosystem here. We need to act quickly and wisely, focusing on things like managing forest fires, which release harmful carbon, and controlling the number of tourists to protect these areas.”
For many, the sight of Om Parvat without snow was more than just a visual shock—it felt like losing something deeply special. Urmila Sanwal, a local from Gunji village, shared photos of the snowless peak, noting how the once-clear ‘Om’ pattern was almost impossible to see. Dhan Singh Bisht, who has been overseeing the Adi Kailash Yatra base camp in Dharchula for over two decades, couldn’t believe his eyes. He said, “In my 22 years of service, I’ve never seen Om Parvat like this. The snow usually melts a lot, but this year, it’s all gone.”
This situation isn’t just about the environment—it’s also about the people who depend on Om Parvat’s beauty to make a living. The local economy, which heavily relies on the influx of tourists eager to see the snow-capped peak, might suffer if this snowless state continues. The worry is real because the region’s livelihood depends on the tourists and pilgrims who visit every year.
Fortunately, there was some relief when snow returned to Om Parvat after a snowfall on the night of August 19. However, this temporary fix doesn’t solve the underlying problem. The fact that the snow disappeared in the first place is a clear wake-up call about the serious impact of climate change. The Himalayas, with their delicate ecosystem, are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature and rainfall. The loss of snow on Om Parvat is a stark reminder that global warming is not just a future threat—it’s happening now, and it’s affecting some of the world’s most treasured natural sites.
There’s a pressing need to address these climate challenges. Reducing vehicular pollution, managing forest fires better, and promoting sustainable tourism practices are some of the critical steps that must be taken. Sunil Nautiyal’s call for assessing how many visitors the area can handle is crucial. By implementing strict regulations on vehicle use and controlling the number of tourists, we can help preserve the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
The disappearance of snow from Om Parvat is a clear sign that we must take immediate action to combat climate change. It’s not just about saving a mountain; it’s about protecting the future of the environment and the communities that depend on it. As we witness these changes, it becomes even more important for everyone—policymakers, environmentalists, and ordinary people—to work together to find solutions that will preserve our planet for future generations.
Dhairya Saraswat