Latest news with #Thakuri
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Black rocky hills have started to appear' - Experts witness the devastating toll of climate change on Mount Everest in eye-opening fly-by
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Want to see Mount Everest in all its glory? You might need to go sooner rather than later due to the devastating effects of climate change on the world's tallest mountain. In a recent fly-by, Nepali lawmakers and experts from across the globe witnessed a drastic reduction in snow coverage on Everest and other Himalayan peaks. The aerial survey was organized by Nepal's Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, to highlight the grave effects of climate change in the region. Alongside a reduction in snow coverage, passengers witnessed rapidly retreating glaciers as they passed multiple major Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Shishapangma, Makalu, and Lhotse. "In the past, wherever you looked, you would see snow-covered mountains. But now, black rocky hills have started to appear. The mountains that once looked completely white now appear as black peaks," Thakuri told the Asia News Network. "This mountain flight has shown the direct impact of climate change on the Himalayas. Foreign experts and guests, too, observed it first hand." The Himalayan region has experienced a dramatic drop in snowfall in recent years. This year alone, snow persistence (the time snow stays on the ground) in the Himalayas has reached a 23-year low. A report published in April by the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) found "a significant decline in seasonal snow across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, with snow persistence 23.6% below normal - the lowest in 23 years". The reduction is seriously bad news for the two billion people who rely on Himalayan snowmelt to feed their water sources. The melting cycle fills 12 major river basins that provide water for multiple heavily populated countries like China, Pakistan, and Thailand. "This trend, now in its third consecutive year, threatens water security for nearly two billion people," explains author Sher Muhammad. "All twelve major river basins, including the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra, experienced below-average snow cover, with the Mekong and Salween basins losing over 50%." Climate change in the Himalayan region poses multiple other significant risks, including the destruction of invaluable habitats and dangerous climbing conditions for Everest hopefuls. The best crampons: tested for sure-footed traction on frozen terrain The best ice axes: for tackling frozen terrain
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Tea museum, selfie point plans for Darj Capital Hall restoration
1 2 3 Darjeeling: The Darjeeling Municipality has announced comprehensive plans to restore the Capital Hall, a prominent landmark of the hill station. The initiative includes establishing a museum showcasing Darjeeling tea and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and converting the space into a banquet venue. Elaborated on the beautification programme, Darjeeling Municipality chairman Dipen Thakuri said, "For tourists, we are setting up a selfie point with the heritage building near Clubstand Gandhi Road in the backdrop. Since it is a heritage building, we aim to highlight the building. Proposals are also there to construct a skywalk for which we are exploring engineering aspects." The historic Capital Hall, featuring a 600-seat theatre and a 75-foot clock tower, remains an architectural treasure. The tower's turret clock, installed in the 1920s, boasts a seven-foot diameter face. Following repairs in 2006 by the Rotary Club of Darjeeling, the clock resumed operation after being non-functional since the 1980s. The venue's rich history includes its popular bar and evening cinema screenings, with final shows concluding at 9 pm. Since 1984, it has functioned as a community centre and municipal office. The Darjeeling Municipality was established in 1850. Thakuri outlined additional plans for revenue generation through the hall's conversion into a banquet facility and museum. He emphasised the removal of overhead wires and cables, and announced the prohibition of fairs at the premises. The Capital Hall's construction began on Oct 27, 1917, when Lord Ronaldshay laid its foundation stone. Completed in 1921 at Rs 2.5 lakh, with half funded by the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, it was inaugurated on May 27, 1921. Eric Avari managed the property until 1984 before departing for New York. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
