The melting of Himalayan glaciers poses a substantial threat to the water resources of India, with far-reaching consequences for the country’s water security. These glaciers act as a crucial source of freshwater for major rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus, which sustain the livelihoods of millions of people across the Indian subcontinent. As global temperatures rise, the accelerated melting of these glaciers not only contributes to rising sea levels but also results in the alteration of river flow patterns. This shift in water availability can lead to increased frequency and intensity of floods during the monsoon season and, paradoxically, water scarcity in the drier months. The impacts extend beyond agriculture, affecting industries, ecosystems, and urban centers that heavily depend on these rivers. Furthermore, the potential for glacial lake outbursts due to the weakening of glacier moraines poses additional threats to downstream communities. Therefore, addressing the consequences of Himalayan glacier melt is crucial for ensuring sustainable water management and adapting to the challenges posed by climate change in India.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 1 Mains 2020
Important Geophysical phenomena
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2020
Structure of the Question
- In Introduction,
- Mention the recent glacier melting due to anthropogenic factors along with natural factors.
- In Body,
- Try to mention how the melting is impacting the water resources of India.
- Conclude by giving some positive solutions or initiatives by the government.
Answer
Introduction
The majority of Himalayan glaciers are observed melting/ retreating at varying rates in different regions. The Himalayan mountains are home to the highest peak, and it is also the third largest deposit of ice and snow in the world, after Antarctica and the Arctic. These glaciers are the lifeline for one-third of the population across the globe. But, due to climate change and global warming, glaciers are melting and receding at an alarming rate in the Himalayas.
The far-reaching impact of the melting of Himalayan glaciers
Water Shortages:
The seasonal runoff from Himalayan glaciers, to some degree, provides different water services to about 800 million people for purposes including irrigation, hydropower, and drinking water. As the glaciers melt unconventionally, it will eventually result in water shortages.
Reduction in usual winter snowfall:
Glacier melting, in some measure, affects the snowfall. A regular reduction in usual winter snowfall leads to water shortage.
Destroy critical infrastructure:
Changing monsoon patterns, including increased severity and frequency of storms, could lead to mountain hazards that may destroy critical infrastructure like hydel power projects.
Human displacement and forced migration:
Human displacement and forced migration could occur with an increase in the incidence and magnitude of extreme events such as floods, which can lead to large-scale demographic movements.
Flooding disasters:
It is believed that the increased melting of Himalayan glaciers will bring on flooding disasters for the next few decades, and what would happen after this is the Ganga and the Indus flowing at radically reduced pace resulting in acute water stress, mass migration, and unseen conflicts.
Conclusion
The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) by the Government of India emphasizes the Himalayan ecosystem. The policymakers can also count on people, different civil society workers of the Himalayan region to get the insight of their unique societies and traditional knowledge to understand and learn from the unique environment, eventually helping in slowing down the melting of Himalayan glaciers, which have a far- reaching impact on the water resources of India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the Himalayan glaciers, and why are they crucial for India’s water resources?
A: Himalayan glaciers are vast ice formations in the Himalayan mountain range, acting as a primary source of freshwater for many rivers in India. This FAQ aims to explain their significance in supplying water to the region.
Q: How does the melting of Himalayan glaciers impact the water resources of India?
A: This question delves into the consequences of glacier melt on river systems, emphasizing the potential changes in water availability, river flow patterns, and the overall impact on India’s water resources.
Q: Which rivers in India are most vulnerable to changes in Himalayan glacier melt?
A: By identifying specific rivers, this FAQ aims to provide a more targeted understanding of the potential regional variations in water resources due to the melting of Himalayan glaciers.
Q: What are the immediate and long-term consequences of reduced glacier volume on India’s water security?
A: This question explores the short-term effects, such as increased flooding and altered water availability, as well as the long-term implications for agriculture, ecosystems, and the overall sustainability of water resources.
Q: What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of Himalayan glacier melt on India’s water resources?
A: Focusing on potential solutions, this FAQ addresses adaptive strategies, technological interventions, and international cooperation efforts aimed at minimizing the adverse effects of melting glaciers on India’s water supply.
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