Early bloom of Uttarakhand's state tree points to hill's impending climate crisis

As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, the hills are one of the biggest victims, and the latest evidence comes in the form of a flower.

Buransh, Uttarakhand’s state tree, has blossomed earlier than expected, raising concerns among scientists and environmentalists.Â

The tree, scientifically known as Rhododendron, is known for its vibrant display of red flowers that dominate these hills as it bursts out from the woody bushes of the tree.Â

Normally, these flowers are seen to blossom during March and April across the mid-altitude terrain. However, this year, the pattern seems to be changing drastically. According to scientists at ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, this is pseudo-flowering or forced flowering due to climatic shifts.Â

“There is a climatic shift, what you call climate change, happening as is visible this winter in the form of a very long dry spell and high day temperature through January. The temperature rise has been very high, up to 4 to 5 degrees during the day this year. As a result, January saw the March weather conditions, hence inducing early flowering of Buransh,” Dr Pankaj Nautiyal, Senior Scientist and Head at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR-CSSRI) said.Â

early bloom of uttarakhand's state tree points to hill's impending climate crisis

Normally, these flowers have been seen to blossom during March and April. (Photo: India Today)

GROWING CONCERNS

The untimely blossoming has raised concerns regarding potential reductions in the medicinal potency of the flower. Renowned for its abundance of potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamin C, this flower is also ingested as an appetiser to alleviate mountain sickness and seasonal ailments.Â

It is recognised for its effectiveness in mitigating excessive bleeding during menstruation in women. The flower possesses medicinal properties beneficial for the heart, liver, skin allergies, and antiviral purposes.

In the region, locals have been incorporating Buransh juice and Buransh chutney into their diet for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic characteristics during the transition from winter to spring.

“Early blooming will also have an impact on the medical value and the production of nectar from this flower. The impact goes further on the livelihoods of a sector that is dependent on selling the juice of this flower in the form of squash and other edible products in the region and both the quality and quantity of the produce of this flower is being impacted due to early blooming,” Dr Pankaj Nautiyal, Senior Scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra added.Â

early bloom of uttarakhand's state tree points to hill's impending climate crisis

This winter was unusually dry across Himalayas. (Photo: PTI)

WHY DID IT HAPPEN? 

This winter has been different from usual. It’s been warmer with less rain and snow. Although nights are mostly as expected, some unusual things happen.Â

Meteorologists say that global warming is changing the usual weather patterns, causing unusual temperatures and less rain. The usual winter disturbances that bring cold weather here have been weak this time, happening less often and not as strong.Â

Because of this, there was not enough rain in December and January in the hilly areas. It didn’t feel as cold as usual, and both the highest and lowest temperatures were higher than usual.

As the world warms, scientists are concerned that more such changes in the flora and fauna are expected.Â

News Related

OTHER NEWS

Guru Nanak Jayanti: Rishi Sunak Highlights Punjabi Heritage In Message, Trudeau Extends Greetings

In a greeting from 10 Downing Street on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned his Punjabi Indian origin, news agency PTI reported. The 43-year-old ... Read more »

What US easing sanctions on Venezuela, home to world’s largest oil reserves, could mean for India

This report is the second of a three-part series on recent Indian engagement in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. New Delhi: The US’ decision last month to ease ... Read more »

Rajshri Deshpande dedicates OTT award to innocent lives lost in Gaza, Palestine

Rajshri Deshpande dedicates OTT award to innocent lives lost in Gaza, Palestine Actor and social worker Rajshri Deshpande won the Best Actor, Series (Female) award for Netflix’s ‘Trial By Fire’. ... Read more »

‘Ramchandra Keh Gaye…’: From Jan 1, RSS to Spread Word of God, Ayodhya Inauguration Among 10 Crore People

‘Ramchandra Keh Gaye…’: From Jan 1, RSS to Spread Word of God, Ayodhya Inauguration Among 10 Crore People In its effort to take the Ram Janmabhoomi message to households across ... Read more »

Ace designer Rohit Bal critical, on ventilator: report

Ace designer Rohit Bal critical, on ventilator: report Celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal is in critical condition and is on ventilator support, HT City reported, quoting sources. He has been ... Read more »

Bengaluru: Traffic Advisory Issued, Parking Restrictions In Place As Samyukta Horata Samiti Holds Protest | Details

Bengaluru: Traffic Advisory Issued, Parking Restrictions In Place As Samyukta Horata Samiti Holds Protest | Details The Bengaluru Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for November 27 and 28 ... Read more »

Vistara Flights Diverted Due To Air Congestion At Delhi Airport | DETAILS

vistara flights diverted due to air congestion at delhi airport | details Delhi: Two Vistara flight has been diverted to Lucknow and Jaipur due to bad weather and air congestion ... Read more »
Top List in the World