If the bridge leading to the Bhyundar valley popularly known as the ‘Valley of flowers’ in Chamoli district is not reconstructed on time, tourists might not be able to visit this world famous valley this year. The bridge across the Pushpawati river was destroyed during the disaster in June last year and since then, it has not been reconstructed by the authorities. The sole route to the world famous valley has been closed since last year’s disaster.
About nine months after the bridge across the Pushpawati was washed away, the authorities have not been able to get this vital bridge rebuilt. Official sources state that the Public Works Department is responsible for the bridge and that the PWD would have to build the bridge.
Since the sole bridge spanning the river on the route leading to the valley of flowers was destroyed last year, this world famous tourist attraction has been closed to tourists. Considering the present situation, it is doubtful whether tourists will be able to visit this destination this year. The valley generally opens for tourists with the reopening of the portals of Hemkund Sahib slated to be reopened on May 25 this year.
At present, the valley is covered in snow which makes it impossible for work to be carried out. Nanda Devi National Park sub-divisional officer Sarvesh Kumar Dubey said that the Public Works Department is responsible for constructing the bridge across Pushpawati river. Considering the limited time left before the start of the tourist season, it appears doubtful whether the entry of tourists to this valley will be facilitated as scheduled.
The Bhyundar valley known popularly as the valley of flowers contains a rich and unique flora which includes flowers like the State flower of Uttarakhand-Brahmakamal, Himalayan blue poppy and cobra lily among others. Internationally important due to its diverse alpine flora, many of the plant species found in this valley are internationally threatened and the diversity of threatened species of medicinal plants found here is believed to be higher than in any other protected area in the Indian Himalayas.
The valley also sustains a rich wildlife including snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black and brown bears, various butterflies and birds like Himalayan golden eagle, snow partridge, monal pheasant, snow pigeon and Himalayan snowcock among others.