Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Himalayan mountain range, often referred to as the ‘Water Tower of Asia’, is the source of several of India’s major rivers – Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra – providing freshwater to a large proportion of the country’s population. These rivers are fed by glacial meltwater, snowmelt, and monsoon rainfall. However, climate change is accelerating the melting of Himalayan glaciers at an alarming rate, posing a significant threat to India’s water security. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reported a decline in the area covered by Himalayan glaciers. This melting has far-reaching implications for water resources, impacting various sectors and potentially leading to socio-economic disruptions.
The Himalayan Glaciers: India’s Water Resources
Himalayan glaciers store approximately 1200 cubic kilometers of ice. They contribute significantly to the dry season flow of major rivers, sustaining agriculture, industry, and domestic water needs. The glaciers act as natural reservoirs, releasing water gradually during warmer months when rainfall is scarce. This regulated flow is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting livelihoods.
Short-Term Impacts: Increased River Flows & Disasters
Initially, glacial melt leads to increased river flows. This can result in:
- Increased frequency and intensity of floods: The sudden release of large volumes of water can overwhelm riverbanks and infrastructure, causing widespread damage. The 2013 Uttarakhand floods are a stark example.
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): As glaciers retreat, they form moraine-dammed lakes. These lakes are prone to breaching, causing catastrophic downstream flooding.
- Landslides and erosion: Melting permafrost and increased water saturation contribute to slope instability, leading to landslides and erosion.
Long-Term Impacts: Water Scarcity & Ecosystem Changes
As glaciers continue to shrink, the long-term consequences will be more severe:
- Reduced dry season flows: The gradual depletion of glacial ice will lead to a decline in river flows during the dry season, impacting irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation.
- Impact on Agriculture: Agriculture, which is heavily reliant on river water, will be severely affected, potentially leading to food insecurity. The Indo-Gangetic Plain, a major agricultural region, is particularly vulnerable.
- Hydropower Generation: Reduced river flows will diminish the capacity of hydropower plants, affecting energy security.
- Ecosystem Degradation: Changes in river flows will disrupt aquatic ecosystems, impacting fish populations and biodiversity.
Regional Variations
The impact of glacial melt will vary across different river basins:
| River Basin | Impact |
|---|---|
| Ganga | Initially increased flows, followed by significant reduction in dry season flows, impacting agriculture in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. |
| Brahmaputra | Higher risk of GLOFs due to numerous glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Increased flood frequency. |
| Indus | Water stress in the Indus basin, impacting agriculture in Punjab and Haryana. Potential for transboundary water disputes. |
Furthermore, the Western Himalayas are experiencing faster glacial melt compared to the Eastern Himalayas, leading to differing timelines for water resource impacts.
Conclusion
The melting of Himalayan glaciers presents a complex and multifaceted challenge to India’s water security. While initial increases in river flows may offer temporary benefits, the long-term consequences of reduced glacial ice are dire. A comprehensive and integrated approach is needed, including investments in water storage infrastructure, efficient irrigation techniques, climate-resilient agriculture, and robust disaster management strategies. International cooperation with neighboring countries sharing these river basins is also crucial for sustainable water resource management and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.