Glacier Retreat in Arunachal Pradesh

Recent research conducted by Nagaland University and Cotton University has documented significant glacier retreat in Arunachal Pradesh over the past three decades, a critical concern given the Himalayas' status as the Third Pole and its crucial role as a freshwater source for over 1.3 billion people.

Key Findings

• The research used remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze changes from 1988 to 2020.
• Most glaciers are located between 4,500 m to 4,800 m above sea level, with an average loss of 16.94 sq km per year.
• Smaller glaciers (less than 5 sq km) are retreating at a faster pace.

Consequences and Risks

• Communities relying on glacial meltwater for agriculture and drinking face potential water shortages.
• Initial effects of melting glaciers may include flooding and unstable river flows.
• Long-term effects may lead to reduced water availability due to diminished glacial mass.
• The formation and expansion of glacial lakes could lead to destructive floods through glacial lake outbursts.

Need for Further Studies

The research highlights the lack of studies focused on the Eastern Himalayas, stressing the need for continued monitoring and improved climate adaptation strategies to manage water resources effectively.