Queen of Hills, Shimla a famous tourist place / hill station especially during the summers situated at an altitude of 2128 meters known for its good cool environment is facing the slap of global warming. Recently I read on website of some news site probably times of India or Hindustan times that first time in history of Shimla summer vacation in government schools of Shimla has been announced for few days due to rise in mercury level which is around 30° Celsius, five degree above normal. Even private institutions have been advised to declare summer holidays. Peoples are advised to stay indoors during afternoon. Lack of Pre-monsoon showers have increased the temperature and heat waves and the farmers of Shimla is also under threat due to changing environment and loss of crops may be seen in near future. Some Old peoples say that two-three decades back even during the month of June they wear some warm clothes but now the climate is totally changed and people wear summer clothes. In changing scenario cooling systems, fans and Air conditioners are must now a days in this beautiful city.
Famous resorts around Shimla like Narkanda, Kufri, Kasauli, Manali, Dharamsala, Palampur, Chamba and Dalhousie also facing heat waves and temperature is above normal as per Metrological department. Meteorological department also reports that minimum and maximum temperature remains above average throughout the year clearly indicating that hills are warming up. If hills will warm up, glaciers will decline and sea water level increase and environment cycle will totally damaged means the destruction of our planet and ends of humans. We are clearly moving very fast towards destruction.
Experts says that environment of Shimla has changed due to global warming, deforestation on large scale and rise in pollution.
Government of Himachal Pradesh must start implementing the steps on very fast track basis to increase awareness, making laws, rules & regulations to save their capital. NGO's must start some programmes in small villages around Shimla for starting environment friendly activities. On Individual level anyone who is living in and around Shimala must stop every activity which affects climate and I request all the tourists to be friendly with environment so that the coming next generations can enjoy their trips to the Queen of Hills.
