By Ishita Malakar
Arunachal Pradesh’s glaciers, which provide fresh water to more than 1.3 million people downstream, are quickly receding; according to a study, the Eastern Himalayan state lost 110 glaciers totalling 310 square kilometres in 32 years.
Using remote sensing and GIS, the researchers from Nagaland University and Cotton University in Assam calculated that the glaciers lost 16.94 square kilometres annually on average throughout that time. The team claimed that the swift glacial retreat has increased concerns.
Outside of the polar regions, the Himalayas often referred to as the ‘Third Pole’ have the highest concentration of glaciers. More than 1.3 billion people downstream depend on these glaciers for their fresh water supply, according to the study. Beyond the local area, communities that rely on glacial meltwater for drinking and agriculture may eventually experience water shortages as a result of glacier retreat. First, melting glaciers may cause flooding and erratic river flows.
Because glacial lake outbursts (GLOFs) can create devastating floods, the creation and growth of glacial lakes also carry risks, Jamir warned in a statement on Wednesday. Assam and other downstream states will probably be more affected.
Between 4,500 and 4,800 meters above sea level is where the majority of the region’s glaciers are located. Temperature increases and other effects of climate change are thought to be the causes of the glaciers’ melting.
There is still little research that concentrates on the Eastern Himalayas, despite worries about glacier loss. To manage the region’s water supplies, stronger climate adaptation plans and ongoing monitoring are required as mentioned by one of the researchers.
According to new research, temperatures in the eastern Himalayas are rising by 0.1° to 0.8°C every decade, which is faster than the global average. The study points out that whereas the average world temperature has increased by 1.6°C over the past century, the northwest Himalayas have seen a larger increase. The ramifications of the climate crisis create negative spheres around the globe as they impact both nature and humanity.