Roopkund Lake: In Peril Due to Climate Change | 15 Oct 2024

Why in News?  

Recently, the famous Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand, known for its centuries-old human skeletons, is shrinking as climate change affects its size and ecosystem. 

Key Points

• Roopkund Lake:  
  • The skeletons found in Roopkund are believed to date back to the 9th century. 
  • Genetic studies indicate that these individuals came from diverse groups, including a Mediterranean lineage. 
  • Theories suggest they were either pilgrims or traders who perished during a sudden hailstorm, with massive hailstones being the possible cause of death. 
• Scientific Studies on Roopkund's Skeletons: 
  • Modern research has uncovered DNA traces from multiple ethnicities, some as recent as the 19th century, suggesting Roopkund may have been visited over a prolonged period. 
  • Researchers believe that Roopkund was once a sacred site, and the pilgrims likely traveled long distances before meeting their demise in this isolated, high-altitude lake. 
• Environmental Impact of Climate Change: 
  • The decline in glacier size, altered monsoon patterns, and erratic snowfall have caused a reduction in water levels at Roopkund. 
  • Changes in temperature and weather are affecting the region’s flora and fauna, contributing to the ecological imbalance around the lake. 
• Tourism and Conservation Challenges: 
  • Roopkund's reduced size and environmental degradation are making it harder to preserve the lake's unique history and ecological significance. 
  • There are growing concerns that unchecked tourism and insufficient conservation efforts may exacerbate the damage caused by climate change.