Earth’s water towers are in danger
As a recent study has indicated that there’s an 80 per cent chance that the world will break another annual temperature record in the next five years, and it’s even more probable that the earth will again exceed the international temperature threshold set 10 years ago, the fate of glaciers worldwide has again faced a serious challenge.
Though higher global mean temperatures may sound abstract, but it translates in real life to a higher chance of extreme weather: stronger hurricanes, stronger precipitation, droughts and glacial melts.
Ironically, glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh too are melting at an accelerated pace, posing serious threats to the region’s water security, agriculture and ecological balance.
Glaciers play a critical role in the region’s economy and ecosystem as it is home to around 20,000 glaciers, which are vital water sources supporting agriculture, horticulture, hydropower and several other key sectors. Almost every sector of the economy in J&K depends on glacier-fed water, making their preservation essential.
Glaciers have been melting at an increased rate over the last 10 to 12 years. We are also witnessing a rise in winter temperatures and reduced snowfall, both of which accelerate glacier melt.
Experts and studies have suggested that the region is losing nearly one metre of glacier ice every year, which has led to glaciers receding by about 20 metres annually. This is a grave concern, and immediate action is needed to mitigate the effects.
Kolahoi Glacier has lost almost 23 percent of its area since 1962 and has fragmented into smaller parts. Recent study of experts on the Kolahoi Glacier, based on the last 10 years’ observation, showed that the average mass balance of the glacier has increased recently.
Glaciers in Kashmir, including the Thajiwas glacier in Sonmarg, Kousar-Nag glacier, snow reserves in Shopian, and the renowned TarsarMarsar and Nun Kun Peak glaciers, are all experiencing accelerated melting due to the worldwide impact of global warming.
The environmentally fragile region of Ladakh is also not spared from these adverse effects, as rising temperatures caused by climate change have put its glaciers at risk. The vulnerability of the Himalayan regions to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), increased chances of cloud bursts, sudden flash floods, and the looming threat of moronic material breach.
Experts have been warning us that unprecedented increase in temperature, deforestation, increasing human activity, especially around Kolhai Glacier and high levels of pollution caused by the emission of greenhouse gases by vehicles and cement plants are major reasons for retreating of major glaciers.
With decreasing precipitation trends including snow over Kashmir, warmer temperatures in winter led to less accumulation of snow and more recession of glaciers in the region.
Smaller glaciers are retreating more rapidly than larger ones due to their greater sensitivity to climate change, driven by their lower elevation and smaller accumulation areas.
Glaciers located between 4200 and 4400 meters have receded more significantly than those found above 4800 meters. Additionally, glaciers with steep slopes experience less recession compared to those with gentler slopes, as the steeper slopes facilitate a faster transfer of glacier mass from the accumulation area.
The reasons are numerous but one thing is sure that we need to act and contribute our bit by helping preserve the nature and our natural ice reserves, because our survival is dependent on it.
