SURENDRA PAL SINGH/Uttarkashi
The dearth of winter snowfall so far has intensified cold in both the higher reaches and the lower altitudes in Uttarkashi district. The minimum temperature has reached sub-zero levels in higher altitudes while dry cold continues to exacerbate the winter woes. Drinking water has frozen in the higher reaches, causing locals and staff of the Gangotri national park to melt water for use and wildlife has started migrating to lower altitudes in the district.
The daily routine of people living in villages at higher altitudes has been considerably affected by the weather. In many places, the water for daily use freezes at night. As a result, the villagers have to melt the ice first thing in the morning and then begin their daily chores. Families involved in animal husbandry face more challenges as the water for the animals also freezes.
Experts state that the comparatively less snowfall so far this year may affect water sources in the future even as the biting cold is proving detrimental to crops at present. The cold is also affecting the wild animals, as seen every year. Leopards, musk deer, Ghural, Kakad and bear are shifting to lower altitudes. Forest officials state that though this happens every year during the winters, the movement is swifter this year due to the cold being intense and setting in earlier.
The Forest department is alert considering the possibility of human-wildlife conflict. The departmental teams are increasing night patrolling to prevent any potential conflict situation.
Gangotri ranger Pradeep Singh Bisht said that the pace at which the cold is intensifying in the higher reaches is challenging. However, the department staff is monitoring the situation as wildlife activity changes with the cold, he said.
Mukhwa resident Sumit Kumar said that the situation is very different this year compared to past years. “Usually we would have had three-four rounds of snowfall by now but the snowfall has been less and the cold is intense this year. The drinking water freezes and our crops have suffered damage,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gangotri national park deputy director Harish Negi said that despite water freezing in taps, frozen layers on routes and the cold intensifying, patrolling is continuing on all treks. “Our teams are more alert as the movement of wild animals changes during this season,” he said.
