Prominent Issue: Snow-capped mountains turning black

There used to be a significant influx of foreign visitors drawn by the Himalayas majesty but now they are allegedly becoming black rocks as a result of climate change

Until some years back, the mountainous ridges were seen as snow-capped during the winter season. There used to be a huge inflow of foreign tourists here to take joy in the majestic beauty of the Himalayas and play with the snow. But, the silver-like glittering mountains are now turning to black rocks arguably due to the effects of climate change.

Consequently, the popular tourist hotspots of Sindhupalchowk – Helambu and Panch Pokhari – are losing their identity as prime tourist destinations. Sindhupalchowk's Upper Helambu, Panch Pokhari, and Jugal ridge zone used to be appeared snow-capped from mid-November onward. But, in recent years, snowfall has become a rare event in the mountains that has a direct bearing on the flow of tourists.

The number of domestic and international tourists turning up here for snow fun with sightseeing has declined of late. It has continued to trigger the displacement of people relying on tourism enterprises.                                

There used to be a huge flow of tourists to the snow-capped areas at Helambu, Panch Pokhari, and Mude of the district due to geographical diversity. Surprisingly, Helambu rural municipality has set a goal of producing artificial snow so as to reduce the negative effects of climate change.

The phenomenon has also placed the indigenous farming of the area in crisis. Last year's destructive flood can be taken as an example of the effect manifested in the high-hill region. It was an indication of something risk to the human community in the long run.

“Tourism entrepreneurship had been affected when snowfall was becoming a rare incident in the Helambu region. It has been a long while since snowfall did not occur in Panch Pokhari, Nagitham, Chyochyodanda, Amayangri, Kutumasang, Melamchichyang, and Sermathang among others in the district,” said Kami Lama of Helambu-2

“We would pilot this initiative in one place. In recent years, the rise in the temperature coupled with climate change effects have invariably melted snow in the region,” said Helambu Chairperson Neema Gyaljen Sherpa._Rss

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