Drastic Climate Change in Kedarnath: Brahma Kamal Blossoms Before Time

Brahmakamal – Uttarakhand’s state flower is in a huge crisis. Some of the said flowers out of the 42 have blossomed in full shape in the Kedarnath Dham almost a month ago. Although they are blossoming to their full potential Brahmakamal (one of the prime pilgrim attraction) is posing a concern for ecologists and not at all an auspicious time. As per experts the pre blossoming of these wonderful flowers represent a sign of drastic and dramatic climate change here. They have mentioned that as per the ecological system it clearly indicates the need to protect this extremely rare and endangered flower.

The harsh impact of global warming on Brahmakamal is clearly visible, which is located at a whopping height of 16,000 feet above sea level. The pangs of climate change have been clearly indicated in the middle Himalayas ever since the 2013 flash flood disaster. The flower has bloomed in the 3^rd week of May around 5,000 feet below its usual blooming place in Kedarnath, whereas, in the other high altitude regions of Vasukital, Dugdh and Madhu Ganga Brahma Kamal have not moved more than 2 to 3 inches. Almost a dozen Brahmakamal plants were bloomed and were confirmed by the Police Department on May 20th in Kedarnath.

Out of the overall Brahmakamal count, 42 flowers have already bloomed completely and 168 flowers are growing quickly. On the other hand, the Himalayan grasses, other species of flora as well as several Bhringraj plants are also coming to life in the Brahma Vatika. The blossoming of these unique flowers is an alarming situation for the overall ecosystem. These flowers which are blossoming at a height of 16,000 feet above sea level are now blossoming at a menial height of 4,000 feet above sea level and this situation is raising a lot of questions among ecologists and biologists.

As Per Environmentalists and Researchers

Prabhakar Semwal is a researcher who has been working on Brahmakamal since the past 4 years and has pointed out the fact that “post the 2013 disaster there has been a visible change in the time of flowering, blossoming and growing of Brahmakamal. The temperature in Kedarnath fluctuates on a regular basis and it will be extremely important to observe the life cycle of this flower.” According to Dr. BS Mingwal and Dr. Vijaykant Purohit they have mentioned that “the premature bloom in Brahmakamal at a place where the temperature is high is a matter of deep research. However, nothing can be said about the future of Brahmakamal by just observing the stock of the situation.”

As per an environmentalist in Rudraprayag, Jagat Singh Jungli, “there is a dire need to think seriously and deeply about the protection of Brahmakamal. The blooming of this wonderful flower in this area of several thousand feet below its actual origin location is a prime and direct example of climate change. It is of prime importance to strictly limit human and mechanical activities in environmentally fragile locations like Kedarnath.”