SrinagarThe month of December has started, but there has been no snowfall in the Himalayan region yet. Regarding which the scientist has expressed deep concern. Scientists say that due to lack of rain and continuous changes in climate change, the weather cycle has increased. Climate change may be a challenge for the entire world, but its effects have now started becoming visible in the Himalayas.
Due to climate change, the existence of herbs found in the Himalayas is also under threat. This time the weather has been harsh in November and December. The month of December has started and neither snowfall nor rain has been seen, which is directly affecting the temperature. Due to lack of snowfall, the temperature of the high peaks of the Himalayas is increasing rapidly. Its effect is visible on the precious herbs found in the Himalayas. Snowfall is very important for the growth of these herbs, but due to lack of snowfall this year, scientists as well as farmers are worried.
32 herbs on the verge of extinction
Dr. Vijaykant Purohit, Director of Garhwal University’s High-end Plant Physiology Research Center (HAPREC), told Local 18 that the HAPREC institute has been doing research on valuable herbs that have been extinct for a long time. There are 32 types of rare medicinal plants in the Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand, which are on the verge of extinction due to lack of snowfall. These herbs include Kutki, Koot, Atish, Jatamansi, Hathajadi, Fern, Brahmakamal.
Herbs should remain buried under ice for 6 months.
Dr. Vijay Kant says that if there is no snowfall on time, then there may be an adverse effect on the production of herbs in the coming time. From the birth of herbs to their development, climate and snowfall play a special role. The herbs should remain buried under snow for at least 6 months. So that sufficient chemicals can be produced in them. If changes in the weather continue like this, then many rare herbs may become completely extinct in the future.
Effect of reduced snowfall on the chemistry of herbs
He told that the change in weather is called climate variability in scientific language. The more snowfall there is in a year, the more active content (chemicals) will be produced in the herbs buried under the snow. The more chemicals produced in these herbs, the greater will be the ability of these herbs to fight diseases. Pharma companies and those who consume herbs will benefit. The increasing carbon emissions due to continuous human interference and deforestation in the Himalayan regions are playing a very important role in the change in the weather cycle.
FIRST PUBLISHED : December 8, 2024, 12:09 IST
