Uttarakhand's Kumaon Himalayas Face Severe Dry Spell, Peaks Lose Snow Cover
The prolonged dry conditions in Uttarakhand are now making a stark impact across the Kumaon Himalayas. This severe weather pattern is visibly affecting both the natural landscape and agricultural activities in the region.
Himalayan Peaks Appear Unusually Dry and Brown
For the past three months, the area has recorded no significant rainfall or snowfall. Many Himalayan peaks along the Kailash Mansarovar route now look unusually dry. They appear largely devoid of their typical snow cover.
This includes the revered Om Parvat, located in Dharchula tehsil of Pithoragarh district. The mountain stands at an elevation of 18,324 feet. It is famous for a natural 'Om' symbol formed by snow patterns on its side. Locals report the mountain now looks "almost black" due to the complete absence of winter precipitation.
Harish Kutiyal, a resident of Kuti village, shared his observations. "In August 2024, Om Parvat had already lost much of its snow cover at an unprecedented pace. That sent alarm bells ringing, although the snow later returned," he said. "This winter, the unusually dry conditions have caused Om Parvat and several other peaks to show a brownish hue instead of their usual white tops."
Local Residents and Environmental Observers Express Alarm
The sight of these snowless peaks has deeply concerned both local communities and environmental observers. The lack of snow accumulation poses a serious threat. Snowmelt is critical for sustaining rivers, farms, and vegetation downstream.
Another resident from Kuti village highlighted the disrupted seasonal patterns. "Every year, snowfall begins in late October. After that, villagers from the upper Himalayas travel to the lower valleys. This year, everything remains dry," they explained.
Devendra Singh, also from Kuti village, pointed out specific areas. "In the Munsyari region, peaks like Panchchuli, Rajrambha, and Hansling are completely without snow. Fog has even covered these peaks," he said. "If we see no snow or rain in the next two weeks, it will create major problems come summer."
Agricultural Losses Mount as Dry Conditions Persist
The impact on agriculture is becoming quantifiably severe. Chief Agriculture Officer of Pithoragarh, Amrendra Chaudhary, reported initial findings. "A primary survey indicates crop losses have already crossed 10% in Pithoragarh district," he stated.
Sources from the agricultural office in neighbouring Champawat district provided a similar, yet grimmer, assessment. They estimate crop losses in their area to be around 15%. These figures underscore the tangible economic threat posed by the ongoing dry spell.
The combination of a snowless Himalayan landscape and significant agricultural damage paints a worrying picture for Uttarakhand's Kumaon region. The community now watches the skies, hoping for precipitation to avert a deeper crisis.
