Dehradun: Climate change is impacting Uttarakhand’s skeleton lake Roopkund, causing it to shrink each year. Experts attribute this to altered precipitation patterns. The lake, famous for its ancient human skeletons, is now at risk, requiring expert intervention to preserve its historical and ecological significance.
Discovered in 1942, Roopkund contains hundreds of human remains that become visible when the snow melts. Studies have revealed that these skeletons belong to different groups and date back over 1,000 years.
Earned its name ‘Lake of skeletons’ due to human remains
Roopkund Lake, a high-altitude lake nestled in the Chamoli district at the base of Mount Trishul in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a popular trekking destination and renowned for its mystery and eerie charm. Located at 16,500 feet, this “lake of skeletons” earned its nickname as hundreds of human remains emerge when the snow melts. These skeletons were first discovered in 1942, captivating global curiosity. In 2019, researchers revealed that the bones belonged to different groups who perished over a span of more than 1,000 years, debunking earlier theories of a single catastrophic event.
This lake is shrinking every year due to excessive rains
Recently, the focus has shifted from the mysterious human skeletons to the lake itself. Forest officials, who have been stationed in the area for over two decades, are concerned about Roopkund’s shrinkage. Spanning around two acres with a depth of about 9 feet, the lake is reportedly getting smaller each year. The region, which once experienced a mix of rain and snow, now sees more rain and less snow. This change has led to loosen soil and rocks sliding into the lake, accelerating its shrinkage.
Lake sees more moraine material with fluctuating snowfall in Himalayas
Experts attribute this worrying trend to climate change. Fluctuating snowfall in the Himalayas has caused more moraine material (loose stones and soil) to slide into Roopkund, leading to excessive silting. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Badrinath Forest Division in Chamoli, Survesh Dubey, expressed concerns over the lake’s annual shrinkage in both width and depth by 0.1% to 0.5%.
Climate change is affecting glaciers and lakes in Himalayas
Roopkund isn’t the only one at risk; the Gangotri glacier, another vital part of the ecosystem, is also experiencing reduced snowfall, which affects the Bhagirathi River and, ultimately, the Ganges River. As climate change intensifies, the future of Roopkund Lake and other such sites remains uncertain, raising concerns about their survival. Survesh Dubey mentioned that the forest department is in touch with experts at the Forest Research Institute and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in Dehradun for mitigating measures.
Roopkund, a popular trekking destination
Known as the “lake of skeletons,” Roopkund is renowned for the hundreds of human remains scattered around its shores, becoming visible when the snow melts. These ancient skeletons have fascinated scientists and travelers for decades, adding an air of mystery to the trek. The journey to Roopkund Lake is challenging yet rewarding, offering picturesque views of snow-capped peaks, meadows, and remote villages. Trekkers traverse forests, ridgelines, and high-altitude camps before reaching the glacial lake. The trek usually takes around 7-9 days, and the experience of hiking through such a remote region, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, makes it an unforgettable adventure.
