The lake of skeletons is shrinking; Know how Roopkund Lake is getting destroyed due to climate change?
While Roopkund Lake has been of concern to scientists for most of its existence due to the remains, the focus has now shifted. Read this to know more.
The lake of skeletons is shrinking; Know how Roopkund Lake is getting destroyed due to climate change? (Image: iStock)
Roopkund LakeDue to the presence of hundreds of skeletons, it is also known as the Lake of Skeletons, which is bearing the brunt of climate change. Situated at an altitude of 16,470 feet, Roopkund is a famous trekking spot in Uttarakhand. Roopkund, also known as ‘Mystery Lake’, is situated in the lap of Trishul Mountain. It is covered with snow for most of the year.
While Roopkund Lake has been of concern to scientists for most of its existence due to the remains, the focus has now shifted. According to forest officials, Roopkund is shrinking in both depth and width. In recent years, there has been more rain and less snowfall – causing soil and rocks to slide into the lake. For this reason its size has become smaller.
For those unaware, Roopkund is unique because of the mystery surrounding it: the mystery of hundreds of skeletons. It has fascinated anthropologists for decades. But what is it about?
It all started in 1942 when Hari Kishan Madhwa, a forest ranger at Nanda Devi National Park, found hundreds of skeletons. They informed British authorities, who concluded that the casualties were from hidden Japanese forces as it was a World War II-era incident.
On the contrary, many later researches revealed that the skeletons were very old. The theory of World War II was then rejected.
A study by the Anthropological Survey of India in the 1950s stated that the skeletons had head injuries that were probably caused by forceful throwing.
As part of the latest study, genetic analysis and carbon dating of 38 skeletons was conducted. Then it was discovered that some of these skeletons were about 1,200 years old. Also, the skeletons were very different genetically and there was a difference of 1,000 years in their deaths. It states that the skeleton group consists of two distinct roots – South Asian and Eastern Mediterranean.
Despite all these theories, Roopkund has been an attractive destination for many tourists. Choosing Roopkund trek is a beautiful yet adventurous journey that passes through many exotic locations.
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