Returning from a long mountainous trip to noisy traffic, rows of high-rise buildings, crowded markets, and unbreathable air makes me wonder if I could forever live in the mountains.
To live in the Mountains
Given an option, I would choose to be near the mountains so that I could adore their beauty without batting an eyelid. I have always felt a sense of purity and positivity when I am in the mountains. Their beauty always attracts me, whether they are covered with freshly fallen snow, tall green trees or rock-solid sand. While walking on the mountains, I feel my heart light, my mind calm and I gently enjoy the cold and pure breeze. In a hilly area, the beauty of sunrise is beyond description. Bathed in yellow light the mountains become more enchanting when the golden rays of the morning sun illuminate them. Mountains in every aspect of their uniqueness seem completely different and majestic. The scenic beauty of mountains makes the eyes shine and refresh the mind, which ultimately brings peace.
Tourist Activity
This is the reason why mountains are such a favoured tourist destination. Tourism in the mountains has also gained popularity due to many adventure activities like skiing, trekking, para-gliding, etc. There is no doubt that it has been a great boon to the local economies. But tourists generate a great deal of waste like their garbage, oxygen cylinders and even camping equipment. This leads to littering, pollution and ecological damage to the beauty of mountains. Construction activities are also rising for the convenience of tourists. Excessive construction of roads, resorts and sightseeing places along with general services are causing much environmental damage.
A Subtle Balance
The mountains and hill stations in north India are already sitting on a very subtle balance with frequent landslides, soil erosion, and erratic changes in the climatic pattern. Any indiscriminate activity can bring havoc. Thus, every effort should be made to take strict action for the safety of these towering peaks. Residents and tourists need to be sensitized about the care of the environment so that the ecosystem in the mountains is not endangered.
We must protect and restore these sacred mountains for all those who call them home. There is nothing quite like standing on top of a mountain. The feeling of accomplishment, the fresh air, and the breathtaking views are just some of the things that make mountain climbing so special. The cool mountainous winds bring warm joy while slurping on hot noodles and ‘adrak wali chai’ (ginger- tea). When the world and its selfishness become too much to handle many people like me take shelter in mountains. It is high time that we woke up to our follies and started preserving the mountains because they have preserved mankind for so long.
Writer: Preeti Gupta (Youtuber)
Place: Delhi, India
No Comment