Locals flag rapidly shrinking glaciers in Bhagirathi region

It is a clear October day, high up near the glaciated regions of Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone.

- Jayashree Nandi

Sukhi, a picturesque village, is surrounded by several glaciers and glaciated regions.

(HT PHOTO)

But, there is barely a speck of snow on these peaks. They stand bare, with exposed grey rock. Till a few years ago, all these peaks appeared white all year round to residents of Sukhi and surrounding villages (altitude of 2300 m), now snow covers these peaks barely for a month or two.

Sukhi, a picturesque village, about 30 km downstream of Gangotri, surrounded by several glaciers and glaciated regions, has been at the frontline of climate crisis. Villagers are concerned about the loss of their common resource-the Himalayan glaciers that feed the Bhagirathi and by monsoon’s changing, aggressive character over the mountains.