Q. 15. What are the consequences of Himalayan glacier retreat on India’s agriculture and water availability? Explain. (250 words, 15 marks)
Introduction
Himalayan glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate of 20 meters per year, with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) warning that up to 40% of their ice could vanish by 2100—threatening India’s water security.
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Impact on River Water Availability
Flow Disruption: Glacier melt contributes nearly 45% of the Indus River’s summer flow. Continued retreat may cause initial surges, followed by a sharp decline after 2050 (ICIMOD 2023).
Reduced Perennial Flow: The Gangotri Glacier has retreated over 3 km since 1935, threatening to make Ganga and Yamuna seasonal, reducing irrigation water in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Groundwater Recharge: Glacial rivers recharge Indo-Gangetic aquifers, which supply 85% of rural drinking water. Declining meltwater may lower water tables and affect drinking water availability.
Hydropower Risk: Key projects like Tehri (Uttarakhand) and Karcham Wangtoo (Himachal Pradesh) face risks of reduced output and sedimentation, impacting dam safety and energy security.
Water Conflicts: Declining glacier-fed flows in rivers like the Chenab and Jhelum worsened tensions during dry spells such as 2021, impacting Indus Waters Treaty dynamics.
Consequences for Indian Agriculture
Irrigation Stress: Around 64% of India’s irrigated land depends on glacier-fed rivers. Reduced flows affect rabi season irrigation, especially in northern plains.
Crop Yield Decline: Studies show a 15–20% yield drop in wheat and rice due to unreliable irrigation in Punjab, Haryana, and western UP.
Flash Floods and Sedimentation: Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) like the 2021 Chamoli disaster damaged agricultural fields and caused siltation, reducing soil quality.
Shift in Cropping Patterns: In water-stressed regions like eastern UP and Bihar, farmers are gradually switching from water-intensive crops to millets and pulses.
Livelihood Vulnerability: Over 85% of Himalayan farmers are smallholders. Glacier retreat threatens their food security, income stability, and may accelerate distress migration.
Conlusion
Himalayan glacier retreat threatens India’s water and food security. Strengthening missions like the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE), glacier monitoring, and watershed management is vital for resilience and sustainable development.
