More than a year after the Pahalgam terror attack, over 93,000 devotees
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Policies of other countries affecting India· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Amarnath Yatra saw over 93,000 devotees in its first four days, highlighting the tension between religious pilgrimage and the rapid melting of the ice lingam due to climate change.
Background
Over 93,000 devotees visited the Amarnath cave shrine in the first four days of the yatra. Experts from ATREE and Himalayan researchers report that the ice lingam has melted by over 90% due to accelerated warming and glacier retreat.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentAmarnath Cave: A high-altitude cave shrine located in the Himalayas, known for the 'Ice Lingam'.
- FactThe ice lingam at the Amarnath shrine has recorded a melting rate of over 90% in recent observations.
- PlacePahalgam: A significant location in the Kashmir region associated with the Amarnath Yatra route.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ecological challenges posed by high-altitude religious pilgrimages in the Himalayas and suggest measures to balance cultural practices with environmental conservation.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological degradation: Accelerated glacier retreat and snow line recession due to anthropogenic warming and infrastructure expansion.
Keywords: Climate Change · Glacier Retreat · Sustainable Tourism · Ecological Balance · Anthropogenic Warming
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