Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 4. Rapid glacier retreat in the Himalayas is altering hydrological patterns and increasing disaster risks. Analyze the implications for agriculture, river systems, and human settlements in India. (250 words, 15 marks)
Introduction
The Himalayas, known as the “Water Tower of Asia,” are experiencing accelerated glacier melt (more than 40% lost) due to climate change in the last few decades. This retreat significantly impacts India’s water systems, agriculture, and population living in vulnerable mountain and downstream areas.
Body
Altering Hydrological Patterns and Disaster Risks
- Unpredictable River Discharge: Glacial retreat is disturbing the seasonal flow regimes of rivers, increasing variability and affecting water availability in both lean and flood seasons. Example: The Ganga and Indus basins now show altered peak flow timings.
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): Melting glaciers form unstable moraine-dammed lakes that pose high flood risks when breached. Example: South Lhonak lake in Sikkim was recently identified as a GLOF threat zone.
- Increased Landslide and Flash Flood Frequency: Glacier retreat destabilizes slopes, making hilly terrains prone to landslides and sudden floods. Example: Uttarakhand has seen a sharp rise in disaster events post-2013.
- Water Scarcity in Dry Seasons: Though glacial melt may temporarily raise water flow, long-term retreat reduces base flow in dry months. Example: Springs and streams in Himachal and Uttarakhand are drying up faster.
Implications for Agriculture
- Changing Irrigation Availability: Initial rise in meltwater may increase irrigation temporarily, but long-term water scarcity is likely as glaciers recede. Example: The Indus basin, heavily dependent on glacier melt, may face reduced flow in peak agricultural seasons.
- Altered Cropping Patterns: Unpredictable water availability and erratic precipitation affect sowing and harvesting cycles. Example: Farmers in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand report shifting from paddy to less water-intensive crops.
- Reduced Food Security: Water stress affects productivity in the Indo-Gangetic plains, India’s agricultural heartland. Example: Decline in wheat and sugarcane yields projected under changing glacial-fed river flows.
Implications for River Systems
- Disturbed Seasonal Flows: Glacial retreat alters timing and volume of river discharge, affecting perennial nature of rivers. Example: Ganga and Brahmaputra may become increasingly seasonal with flow reduction during dry months.
- Increased Risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): Melting glaciers create unstable glacial lakes that may breach catastrophically. Example: The 2021 Chamoli disaster in Uttarakhand was triggered by a glacier-related event.
- Sedimentation and River Morphology Changes: Increased melt accelerates erosion and sediment load, altering river paths and increasing flood risks. Example: Brahmaputra’s braided channels in Assam are becoming more unstable.
Implications for Human Settlements
- Increased Disaster Vulnerability: Settlements in mountain regions face greater risks from landslides, flash floods, and GLOFs. Example: Towns like Joshimath and Gangotri are showing subsidence and vulnerability signs.
- Water Stress in Hill Communities: Reduced glacier-fed springs and streams threaten domestic water supply. Example: Several villages in Sikkim and Uttarakhand report drying of natural springs.
- Forced Migration and Livelihood Loss: Recurrent disasters and water scarcity are pushing populations to migrate from hills to plains. Example: Studies show increased out-migration from Kinnaur and Pithoragarh districts.
Government Initiatives
- National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE): Monitors glaciers and promotes ecosystem resilience in the Himalayan region.
- GLOF Risk Mitigation Projects: Installation of early warning systems and controlled lake drainage at glacial lakes such as South Lhonak in Sikkim.
- National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC): Funds local projects to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and water management.
- Secure Himalaya Project: Launched with UNDP support to promote sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience in ecologically sensitive Himalayan zones.
Conclusion
As the UNDP notes, “Melting glaciers are not just environmental concerns—they are development challenges.” Proactive climate adaptation in the Himalayas is crucial to safeguard India’s water security, agriculture, and the lives of millions dependent on them.
