Scientists explained the process of premature blooming of Burans flowers, which are rich in medicinal properties, in the high Himalayan regions and its effects. file
Suman Semwal, Dehradun. Burans (Rhododendron), rich in medicinal properties, found in the high Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand, is now facing the brunt of climate change. Due to abnormal increase in temperature without rain, the entire life cycle of these flowers has been disrupted, posing a serious threat to their future.
Under normal circumstances, the DNA of Burans sends signals to plant cells to form flowers in March-April, when the temperature reaches 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. But, now this temperature has started reaching in the month of January only. As a result, the flowering process starts prematurely. No, the flowers will not be able to survive the weather fluctuations during this period. The risk of flowers dying increases due to premature blooming. In January, the buds of Burans are covered with sepals to protect themselves from cold. These sepals are removed only when the temperature increases steadily. But as soon as the temperature rises for a few days, the DNA immediately gives a signal. Due to which the hormones that produce flowers become active, but after that the temperature drops again. The tender stamens and pistils are unable to bear this shock and the flowers die quickly. Serious story of climate change revealed in 16 years of FRI's study. Forest Research Institute's (FRI's) Batani and Forest Physiology Division had started a study 16 years ago on premature blooming of Burans. Especially in the study conducted in Tungnath-Chopta area of Chamoli district, it was found that in the last several seasons, Burans gave flowers before time.
Then the research was led by Dr. Subhash Nautiyal, the then senior scientist (head of Batni Division), whereas now Dr. Hukum Singh, senior scientist of Physiology Division, is engaged in the study on Burans. According to scientists, if this trend continues, then the number of new Burans plants will decrease in the coming time and this Himalayan plant may move towards crisis. Rhododendron Arboreum is the most affected. Among the four species of Burans found in the Himalayas, the most serious impact of climate change has been found on Rhododendron Arboreum i.e. Red Burans. This species is found close to human settlements and in high altitude ranges, hence the effect of rapid changes in temperature is visible on it first. Burans species found in Uttarakhand and altitude
Effect of climate change on Arjuna tree too. FRI's second study unit Ecology, Climate Change and Influence Division also tested the temperature rise on Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna). Scientists gave the plant a temperature of 2.5 degrees Celsius more in the laboratory. The results were shocking, new leaves which normally emerge in March, started appearing in February itself. This is an indication that even a slight increase in temperature has started changing the natural life cycle of plants. The indifference of rainfall is affecting the entire ecosystem from agriculture to forestry and tourism. In this winter, the indifference of rainfall seems to be taking a heavy toll on the entire ecosystem. Nearly 100 percent rainfall deficit was recorded in Uttarakhand in December 2025. Because normally 7.9 to 23.7 mm rainfall is found, whereas nothing like this was seen in the season. In the year 2021, 182 mm rainfall/snowfall was recorded in winter, which reduced to 12 mm in 2024 and 04 mm in 2025. As a result of which the month of December remained dry and in January 2026 also the rainfall situation was found to be negligible. Due to which snowfall is almost negligible.
Due to lack of rainfall, wheat and mustard crops have suffered damage up to 25 percent in various parts of Uttarakhand. If this continues then the lentil and barley crops will also be seriously affected. On the other hand, due to negligible rainfall, water shortage is being felt in water sources and other streams.
Apart from this, there has also been a decline in the inflow of tourists in Auli, Chakrata, Niti Valley and other high altitude areas. Lack of rainfall is seriously affecting the recharge rate of glaciers in winter and increasing drought conditions have made forests more vulnerable to fire.
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