As the world is observing International Mountain Day 2020 on Friday with the theme Mountain Biodiversity, the Himalayan mountains in Himachal are breathing freely, at least this year, due to Coviv-19 pandemic.
According to the UN, environmental changes have posed great challenges to the mountain people around the world who are dependent on the mountains for livelihood. While precious flora and fauna in the mountains witnessed least human disturbance this year, scientists claimed that Covid-19 imposed lockdown helped unprecedented growth of the flora at many Himalayan regions.Meanwhile, with almost no commercial mountaineering activities this year, the livelihood of thousands of people is at stake.
Meanwhile, with almost no commercial mountaineering activities this year, the livelihood of thousands of people is at stake.
The mountaineering industry of Himachal, which includes climbing expeditions to peaks, long and short treks, rock climbing and day hiking, is paused since March when nationwide lockdown was imposed. The peak mountaineering activities begin in May and last till November.A large number of foreigners also visit the state for these eco-friendly activities. This year mountains had a pin-drop silence. There was no one to climb the peaks, no new attempts were made to climb virgin peaks, and there were no trekking or rock climbing activities.
A large number of foreigners also visit the state for these eco-friendly activities. This year mountains had a pin-drop silence. There was no one to climb the peaks, no new attempts were made to climb virgin peaks, and there were no trekking or rock climbing activities.
According to Adventure Tour Operators Association president Roshan Thakur, thousands of people including operators, guides, porters, cooks and helpers are associated with this industry only from Himachal.“Most of them could not earn a single rupee this year. Some of us restarted work in October but it was too late to get the clients. Now that mountains are covered with snow, the trekking and climbing expeditions cannot be organised,” he said.
“Most of them could not earn a single rupee this year. Some of us restarted work in October but it was too late to get the clients. Now that mountains are covered with snow, the trekking and climbing expeditions cannot be organised,” he said.
Thakur said the operators have been celebrating International Mountain Day every year on December 11 but this year they will celebrate it virtually. “Although mountaineering is a completely eco-friendly activity, we still spread awareness about keeping mountains garbage free. We live in the mountains and we respect them. Some large companies exploiting the mountains in the name of mountaineering are a big challenge for us. We feel proud that our association plants a large number of trees in forest areas every year,” he added.
“Although mountaineering is a completely eco-friendly activity, we still spread awareness about keeping mountains garbage free. We live in the mountains and we respect them. Some large companies exploiting the mountains in the name of mountaineering are a big challenge for us. We feel proud that our association plants a large number of trees in forest areas every year,” he added.
The unplanned tourism in the state has been a big threat to biodiversity. Tourists were camping illegally in the forests. Some operators had developed illegal camping sites. Traffic jams and carbon emission and tourists littering the mountains were major problems. The Covid-19 pandemic has given an opportunity to nature to heal the wounds of the Himalayas this year.
Fortunately, winter season has a good start this year. The peaks are getting good snow. The glaciers are being rejuvenated. However, illegal felling of the trees has been a major threat to biodiversity.On the other hand, people of Himachal saying no to poaching have helped many rare and endangered species to thrive in the state. Monal, snow leopard and many other rare species, which are part of mountain biodiversity, are thriving in the state.
On the other hand, people of Himachal saying no to poaching have helped many rare and endangered species to thrive in the state. Monal, snow leopard and many other rare species, which are part of mountain biodiversity, are thriving in the state.
The scientists have already confirmed that they have discovered many new species of alpine plants in the areas that were most exploited by the tourists.
KS Kanwal, scientist with GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, said he and his team had recorded around 70 species of alpine plants near Rohtang area where maximum number of species ever recorded was 50.“Less anthropogenic activities had produced favourable conditions for their growth. We have run various campaigns for mountain biodiversity and sustainable development. We are spreading awareness among the residents and are encouraging people to plant the species which are exploited the most. Recently we planted a large number of rakhal (texus wallichiana) saplings with help of villagers at many places,” he said.
“Less anthropogenic activities had produced favourable conditions for their growth. We have run various campaigns for mountain biodiversity and sustainable development. We are spreading awareness among the residents and are encouraging people to plant the species which are exploited the most. Recently we planted a large number of rakhal (texus wallichiana) saplings with help of villagers at many places,” he said.
Mountains of home to 15 per cent of the world’s population but they provide fresh water to half of the world’s population. Mountains host half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. According to the UN, conservation of mountains is a key factor for sustainable development.The mountains are under threat from climate change and overexploitation. Mountain people face even greater challenges to survive as the global climate continues to warm. The increase in temperature also means fast melting of glaciers which affect fresh water supplies downstream.
The mountains are under threat from climate change and overexploitation. Mountain people face even greater challenges to survive as the global climate continues to warm. The increase in temperature also means fast melting of glaciers which affect fresh water supplies downstream.
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