Kedarnath Remains Snowless in December, Raising Climate Concerns in Uttarakhand

The sacred Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand is witnessing an unusual winter this year, with no snowfall recorded so far, triggering alarm among environmentalists and local residents.

Located in Rudraprayag, Kedarnath is typically buried under five to eight feet of snow by December. However, the shrine and surrounding areas remain dry, a phenomenon experts say reflects deeper climatic shifts in the Himalayan region.

The absence of snow has also affected ongoing reconstruction work near the shrine. Labourers involved in infrastructure projects said the dry but biting cold restricts them to working only three to four hours a day. This follows an already difficult pilgrimage season marked by excessive rainfall, cloudbursts, floods, and landslides earlier this year.

Environmental experts attribute the erratic weather to multiple factors, including climate change, deforestation, unchecked construction activity, and a rising number of vehicles in ecologically sensitive zones. According to specialists, elevated ground and air temperatures are preventing snowfall, while reduced rainfall is causing dry atmospheric conditions that trap dust particles, leading to smog and respiratory discomfort.

The impact is not limited to the high-altitude regions. Cities such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Kashipur—popular destinations for tourists escaping pollution in Delhi and nearby areas—have reported a sharp deterioration in air quality. Environmentalists warn that both the higher Himalayas and the plains are showing signs of ecological stress.

Weather patterns across Uttarakhand remain abnormal. While Kedarnath stays snowless, bright sunshine has pushed daytime temperatures in several districts to four to five degrees above normal. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, cautioning commuters about reduced visibility and possible travel disruptions.

Despite these concerns, the recently concluded Char Dham Yatra witnessed a record footfall of over 50 lakh pilgrims. Kedarnath alone received 17.68 lakh devotees between May and October before the shrine closed for winter in November.

During the winter months, worship of Lord Shiva continues at the deity’s winter seat, the Omkareshwar Temple, in Ukhimath.

Environmentalists caution that the snowless winter at Kedarnath is not just an anomaly but a warning sign, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable development and climate-sensitive planning in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.