Himachal glaciers receding at alarming rate, snow cover of river basins declines from 27-54%

The Newz Radar

SHIMLA: The State Centre on Climate Change, working under the patronage of the Himachal Pradesh State Council for Technology and Environment, has revealed alarming findings regarding the impact of climate change on the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh. Mapping the trend of snowfall has shown a significant decrease in snow cover, accompanied by the melting of glaciers, due to rising temperatures.

The assessment conducted by the State Centre on Climate Change utilised satellite data from the AWIFS satellite to map the snowfall trend from October to April in various rivers and valleys of the state. The analysis covered the Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, Chandra, Bhaga, Myad, Beas, Parvati, Jiva, Pin, Spiti and Baspa rivers and basins. The results were alarming, with a decrease in snow cover recorded across several basins.

Compared to the previous year, the assessment revealed a 36% decline in the snow cover of the Chenab basin, a 54% decline in the Ravi basin, and a 27% decline in the Sutlej basin in October. Similar declines were observed in subsequent months, including November, December, January, February and March. There was an increase in snow cover during early summer in April, with a 12% increase in the Chenab basin, a 39% increase in the Beas basin, a 54% increase in the Ravi basin and a 29% increase in the Sutlej basin.

These findings indicate a clear change in the snowfall pattern and a decrease in snow cover, which ultimately leads to the melting of glaciers. The state government has recognised the urgent need to address climate change and has taken steps towards environmental preservation, such as promoting the use of electric vehicles. However, further comprehensive measures will be required to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on the fragile ecosystems of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the mountainous areas.