Need to protect depleting glacial cover
The unprecedented increase in temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir has set alarm bells ringing as experts feel that a great environmental crisis is likely to unfold as most of the regions glaciers are witnessing fast depletion.
Ironically, almost 30 percent of the region’s glacier cover has disappeared over the past sixty years, and if current warming trends continue, up to 70 percent may vanish by the end of the century.
Glaciologists and climate scientists are sounding alarm over the rapid retreat of key glaciers, including the Kolahoi Glacier, the largest in the Kashmir Himalayas. Once referred to as the “Kashmir Alps’ main glacier,” Kolahoi has shrunk by over 25 percent since the 1960s and is depleting 35 metres annually, losing nearly 1 metre of ice mass per year.
Notably, the shrinking glaciers threaten the flow of major rivers such as the Jhelum, Lidder, and Chenab, which are the main source of irrigation for, potable water and hydel power.
The impact is already being felt as crops like rice, apple, and saffron—key to the region’s livelihood—are already showing signs of stress due to erratic water availability.
In addition, the formation of new glacial lakes due to meltwater accumulation has raised the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)—potentially devastating flash floods that could impact downstream villages and infrastructure.
Sadly, we have been sitting pretty unconcerned over the issue as very little is being done collectively to safeguard our water resources. Preserving the glaciers is not just about climate—it’s about securing the future of the people and who else should show more concern about the issue than the people at large.
Notably, experts have been pointing out to climate change as the greatest environmental emergency facing our planet today. The phenomenon has profound implications for glaciers, rivers, forests, ecosystems, and human societies and the effects of climate change are already evident in Jammu and Kashmir:
Over the years, like many other parts of the country Jammu and Kashmir too has been witnessing a fast depleting forest cover which has put an extra pressure on the glaciers as very little snowfall is being experienced during winters. Reports have suggested that India has lost 18,200 hectares of primary forest in 2024 compared to 17,700 hectares in 2023.
Besides, India lost 3,48,000 hectares of humid primary forest (5.4 per cent) from 2002 to 2024, accounting for 15 per cent of its total tree cover loss during the same period.
Ironically, Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a continuous degradation of forest cover particularly the large-scale felling of trees in a region known for its breath taking landscapes and rich biodiversity. While developmental projects are essential for progress, protecting nature while building the future must remain a priority.
Kashmir has witnessed a significant decline in its forest cover. According to the latest Forest Survey of India (FSI) report, the region lost 40.61 square kilometers of forest cover in the last two years alone.
Jammu and Kashmir had to face a fast depletion of its forest cover during the past three decades as the region was inflicted with the menace of terrorism. The unprecedented and wanton loot of forest cover under the garb of terrorism is known to all. This phenomenon also proved to a major contributor for the fast depleting forest cover.
However, the past needs to be put at bay and a sincere effort should be initiated to help conserve the environment and help it regain its lost sheen.
