Pithoragarh: According to the recent reports, the iconic ‘Om’ symbol on Om Parvat in Uttarakhand has disappeared due to rapid snow melt. The mountain, which is a significant religious site, has become snowless and appeared black, causing concern among environmentalists and locals. But after snowfall, this shape of ‘Om’ reappeared on this holy mountain situated in Nabhidang of Vyas Valley in Pithoragarh.
Rising global temperature and construction activities are the reasons
According to the experts, this melting of the snow is attributed to rising global temperatures and increased construction activities in the high Himalayan region. Social activist and founder of Social Development for Communities (SDC), Anoop Nautiyal expressed his concern over this snow-melting and disappearance of Om Parvat on his ‘X’ account, “At 5900 meters, Om Parvat is without snow for the first time. This is the result of climate change and reduced snowfall while ‘development’ like road widening, tourism, and mining have added fuel to fire. Nature is giving many warnings but no one has time/patience to listen.”
At 5900 meters, Om Parvat is without no snow for first time. This is result of climate change & reduced snowfall while “development” like road widening, tourism & mining have added fuel to fire. Nature is giving many warnings but no one has time/patience to listen!#Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/9ZVCE4Cu64
— Anoop Nautiyal (@Anoopnautiyal1) August 26, 2024
Om shape is visible again on Om Parvat
After its disappearance due to the melting of snow, a Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) personnel released a new picture in which ‘Om’ shape is visible again following the snowfall. Dinesh Gururani, the Adventure Tourism Manager of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, mentioned that a photo of Om Parvat without snow has been circulating on social media recently. This news saddened Shiva devotees who revere the holy Om Parvat, causing confusion among pilgrims visiting Adi Kailash. However, he added that snowfall in the high Himalayan region on Sunday night has once again covered Om Parvat with snow, making the ‘Om’ symbol clearly visible.
Om Parvat has been snowless many times before
Dinesh Gururani, an adventure tourism manager who has been involved with the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as a manager and guide since 1989, mentioned that Om Parvat has experienced periods without snow multiple times. He acknowledged that individuals concerned with the environment and travel may have differing opinions on this matter. He also noted that the movement of vehicles and airplanes during the Yatra has indeed had an adverse impact on the environment.
Renowned for its unique rock formation that resembles Om
Om Parvat is a majestic mountain located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It stands at an elevation of 5,590 meters (18,340 feet) above sea level. The mountain is renowned for its unique rock formation that resembles the sacred Hindu symbol ‘Om’ (ॐ) when viewed from a certain angle. Additionally, Om Parvat holds significant religious importance for Hindus and is considered a sacred site associated with Lord Shiva. It is often visited by pilgrims on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra route.