The Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is no Stranger to visitors. People have flocked to these mountains for centuries, following arduous trains along impossible slopes to our holiest shrines high up in the Himalaya. A close communion with awe-inspiring natural beauty is the pilgrim’s bonus. Nowadays we also go to Uttarakhand to paraglide down from heights, and raft the rapids of our holy rivers.
But the happy pictures of tourists on elephant safaris, excited rafters and blissful faces of nirvana-seekers hide a grim reality. For not even the mighty Himalaya are able to withstand the devastating effects of global warming. In Uttarakhand, it has forced every glacier to recede, dried entire lakes in Kumaon, thinned its rivers and is now changing its seasons. Forests and their precious wildlife across the state are fighting a losing battle to survive against tree-cutters.
Uttarakhand to some extent , trying to check the damage. It strictly controls access to its precious bioreserve, Nanda Devi National Park, and places heavy fines on those who leave behind non-biodegradable refuse. Yet , there are very few true eco-sensitive resorts and operators in the Himalaya. The Himalaya needs our protection now. No matter how much you have paid for that yoga and rafting on the Ganga package, tread as lightly as the humblest pilgrim, the mere sight of the hills is reward enough, take away nothing but memories.
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