The flowers of the Burans (Rhododendron Arboreum) have already started blossoming in the mountainous regions about a month before the normal period of their blooming. Citing this as yet another change being brought about due to global climate change, experts warn that food production will be hampered if the trend of temperature rise continues at this rate.

It should be mentioned here that a considerable number of rhododendron trees can be found in the Chamba-Mussoorie fruit belt at Kanatal, Thangdhar and Jadipani. Making juice from the burans flowers is also a means of seasonal income for many a villager in this region.

Found in areas situated at altitudes between 5,000 feet to 8,000 feet above sea-level, the burans blooms during March-April. The process of the flower blossoming gets over in about 15 to 20 days. However, environmentalists are concerned these days considering that the flowers started blooming from the second week of February. 

Chipko movement leader and noted environmentalist, Chandi Prasad Bhatt said that the early blossoming of burans is one of the effects exerted on the flora by climate change. Its effects are also being seen on the crop cycle and various creatures. He said, “The herbal wealth in the mountainous regions is being slowly depleted. This is a serious issue which needs to be researched,” he added.

Climate scientist at the Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Ranichauri campus, Dr RG Upadhyay said that the rhododendron had bloomed earlier due to global warming and delayed rain during the winter. The effects of temperature imbalance in the environment will also be more evident on crop production in the future.