A tragic incident occurred when a portion of the Thajiwas glacier collapsed at Sonamarg in Ganderbal district, leading to one person going missing and two tourists being rescued. On May 25, 2024, a tourist from Maharashtra died after falling into a snow cavity at Thajiwas glacier, emphasising the growing risks visitors face. On February 4, 2024, an article in The Scroll warned that Kashmir’s unusually dry winter could accelerate the decline of the Thajiwas glacier, a vital natural resource.
The recent string of incidents at Thajiwas glacier in Sonamarg, combined with alarming scientific observations, paints a concerning picture of this once pristine and safe natural wonder. Thajiwas Glacier, easily accessible and visible from nearly every vantage point in Sonamarg, is a remarkable site situated 3000 meters above sea level. Its year-round snow cover made it a prime spot for trekking and camping as well as a tourist attraction.
Historically a serene destination where school children trekked and tourists marvelled at its icy beauty, the glacier is now a site of frequent accidents and environmental degradation. The glacier’s health is rapidly deteriorating due to a combination of climate change and human interference. These troubling events highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to preserve and restore Thajiwas Glacier.
The need to give the glacier a respite is critical; restricting trekking and pony rides could help it recover. The glacier was once a haven of c.