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Arunachal Pradesh Loses 110 Glaciers in 32 Years: Study Highlights Climate Impact

A recent study has revealed that Arunachal Pradesh’s eastern Himalayas lost 110 glaciers over the past 32 years, posing significant risks to local ecosystems and communities.

Rapid Glacial Retreat and Its Consequences

The study, conducted between 1988 and 2020, found that glaciers covering an area of 309.85 sq. km disappeared at an alarming retreat rate of 16.94 sq. km per year. The retreat exposed bedrock and formed glacial lakes, heightening the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

This phenomenon, often linked to global climate change, involves glaciers melting faster than snowfall can replenish them. One such event was the 2023 Sikkim disaster, which claimed at least 55 lives and devastated a 1,200-megawatt hydropower project on the Teesta River.

Key Findings of the Study

  • Glacier Reduction: The number of glaciers dropped from 756 to 646 during the study period, resulting in a loss of over 47% in glacial cover.
  • Elevation and Orientation: Most glaciers studied are located at elevations of 4,500-4,800 metres and are north-facing, confined to slopes of 15° to 35°.
  • Mapping Techniques: Researchers utilized remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and data from the Randolph Glacier Inventory to map glacier boundaries.

Himalayas: The Third Pole

The Himalayan range, often referred to as the “Third Pole”, holds the largest glacier collection outside polar regions. These glaciers are vital for maintaining the region’s hydrological balance and serve as a critical freshwater source for over 1.3 billion people in downstream areas.

Impact of Rising Temperatures

The study highlights an alarming rise in temperatures across the Himalayas:

  • The region has seen a 1.6°C increase in the last century, with the eastern Himalayas warming faster than the global average.
  • Temperatures are projected to rise by 5-6°C by the century’s end, accompanied by a 20-30% increase in precipitation.

Despite this, erratic rainfall patterns and the lack of a significant trend in precipitation underscore the unpredictability of climate change in this region.

Global Implications of Glacial Retreat

The Himalayas’ glaciers are retreating at a faster rate than others globally, losing approximately 0.4% of their area annually. Smaller glaciers under 5 sq. km in the Eastern Himalayas are shrinking the quickest.

Risks and Challenges Ahead

According to the researchers, glacial retreat will:

  • Significantly impact freshwater availability and ecosystem health.
  • Increase the likelihood of hazards like GLOFs.

Dr. Nabajit Hazarika, one of the study’s authors, stressed the importance of understanding climate change’s impact on the region’s frozen freshwater reserves to prepare for future challenges.

Call to Action

This study underscores the urgent need for global and local efforts to mitigate climate change and prevent further loss of these critical natural resources.

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