122 glaciers shrink in Kashmir's Pir Panjal over 40 years: study

Researchers have identified 122 glaciers in the Pir Panjal range that have experienced a notable decrease in size since 1980. The glacier area, which measured approximately 25.7 square kilometres in 1980, has now shrunk to just 15.9 square kilometres by 2020.

122 glaciers shrunk since 1980

The study reveals significant losses in glacial mass, which could have important implications for people and ecosystems relying on glacier meltwater.  The research, published in the International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology, analyzed data for the period 1980 to 2020.

During the study period, the glaciers lost a total of 9.83 square kilometres of their area. Similarly, the 'Vishav' watershed, consisting of 55 glaciers, lost over six square kilometres of its area during the same timeframe.

The research was conducted by Mohammad Ashraf Ganai and Syed Qaiser Bukhari from the Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar. Their findings were published in the International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology. The study analyzed glacier data spanning four decades, from 1980 to 2020.

The research sheds light on changes in the glaciers of the Pir Panjal range in the Kashmir Basin of India, highlighting a significant decline in glacier mass. These glaciers are crucial for local communities and ecosystems, serving as a vital water source. The decline poses a threat of water scarcity for these communities. Additionally, the rapid melting of glaciers increases the risk of floods.

Topography affects glacier retreat speed

The research findings highlight the significant role of topography in determining the speed of glacier retreat during the study period. Smaller glaciers, measuring 0.5 square kilometers or less, retreated more quickly compared to larger ones.

Moreover, south-facing glaciers experienced more decline than those facing north. Similarly, glaciers at higher altitudes, averaging 3,800–4,000 meters above sea level, saw greater rates of decline than those at lower altitudes.

The study also observed varying rates of decline between glaciers with steep and gentle slopes. Glaciers with gentler slopes recorded higher rates of decline. These differences suggest that multiple complex factors are influencing glacier loss.

Himalayan glaciers serve as crucial water sources for surrounding communities, sustaining river flows, agriculture, and hydroelectric power generation. They also play a vital role in preserving local ecosystems, wildlife, and habitats.

More focus needed on glaciers

In the past, there were limited systems and remote sensors to monitor glaciers in the region. However, given the noticeable changes in these glaciers, researchers are stressing the importance of focusing more on understanding their water resource management, flood risks, and impacts on the local environment.

A recent study by the University of Leeds has revealed that glaciers in the Himalayan region are melting at a rate ten times faster than before. This accelerated melting could deepen water crises in many Asian countries, including India. The increased damage to these glaciers in recent decades is evidence of human-induced climate change.

Furthermore, another study warns that if global temperatures continue to rise, glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayas could lose 80 per cent of their ice by the end of the century.

An analysis has identified approximately 5,000 lakes in the Himalayan region at risk of causing floods, with three times higher flood risk in the Eastern Himalayas. Scientists attribute this increased risk to rising global temperatures.

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