“Glaciers are dynamic systems, and their retreat or advancement is a natural phenomenon. However, human activities and climate change can exacerbate the process,” he said.Sah said, “In 1964, when I first ventured to Pindari glacier, the Zero Point was blanketed with snow. Now, all that’s left are barren, crumbling mountains.” Sah and fellow explorer Dhirendra Bist embarked on their latest journey to the glacier from Ranikhet on October 16, reaching Zero Point on October 20. Returning to Nainital on Thursday, they shared their experiences. “The receding glaciers are having a devastating impact on the region’s wildlife. Species like the Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, sambar, ghural, kakar, satyr, tragopan, monal, and hill peafowl, once abundant, are now rarely spotted,” Shah said. Bist said, “The disappearance of glaciers has forced animals like snow leopards and bears to venture into human settlements, attacking shepherds’ sheep and horses.”
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