The presence of the State flower Brahma Kamal (saussurea obvallata) found in the high altitude of Himalayan region is under threat. The rare flower that used to bloom in large numbers during the month of shravan or rainy season, is now becoming harder to find. Environmentalists believed that climatic changes and effects of the activities of humans are to blame for this change.
In addition to being the State flower, the Brahma Kamal is also popular among the devotees of lord Shiva. The effect of 2013 disaster can also be seen on the growth of this flower in the Kedar valley. The flower found at altitudes above 10000 feet from sea level can be seen near Kedarnath in limited numbers now. Every year, it blooms in the month of Shravan and is seen till August. Before the 2013 disaster, it was found in areas above the Kedarnath shrine like Vasukital. In Chamoli district, it is found in the valley of flowers. In the month of shravan, the devotees offer it to lord Shiva as it is believed to please the lord.
However, the consistent change in the weather is adversely affecting this flower. A decade ago, the devotees used to bring this flower to Kedarnath to offer to the lord but now it has become rare here. Apart from the climatic change, the debris and uneven surfaces in the area are also believed to have hampered the growth of the State flower in this area. Noted environmentalist and leader of the Chipko Movement, Chandi Prasad Bhatt blamed climatic change and human activities for the downward trend in Brahma Kamal presence. He stressed that measures need to be taken without delay not only to preserve this important plant but also to prevent further damage to the environment.It is pertinent to mention here that apart from being religiously important, the Brahma Kamal is also popular as a medicinal plant. It is of use for treating cough, cold, joint pain and various other diseases.
