Global warming and heatwave accelerate glacier melting in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh
If the current trend continues, 70% of these glaciers could disappear by the end of the century
Jammu and Kashmir, like much of India, is experiencing severe Global warming and heatwaves, which are having a significant impact on the region’s glaciers. There are approximately 18,000 glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, all of which are melting rapidly due to rising temperatures.
The Kolahoi Glacier, the largest in the Kashmir Valley, has lost about 23% of its mass in recent decades due to increased temperatures and below-normal winter precipitation. Air pollution, deforestation, and rising temperatures are the main factors contributing to this accelerated melting.
Shakil Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that Himalayan glaciers are severely affected by climate change. The annual heatwaves in South Asia, with temperatures in India and Pakistan exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, have a significant impact on these glaciers.
Romshoo also highlighted that the glaciers are crucial for about 800 million people who rely on them for drinking water, agriculture, horticulture, power generation, and other economic activities. If the current trend continues, 70% of these glaciers could disappear by the end of the century.
Agriculture and horticulture, key contributors to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, depend heavily on the melting snow from higher elevations to feed the streams and rivers. Over the past ten years, the Kashmir Valley has lost more than 30,000 hectares of agricultural land.
Weather analyst and forecaster Faizan Arif pointed out that while the impact on water availability may not be immediate, it will become evident over time due to below-normal winter precipitation. This has already led to water shortages in areas like Srinagar.
The erratic melting of glaciers also poses a threat to hydroelectric power generation, which is crucial for northern India’s electricity supply. Experts warn that water scarcity in the region could adversely affect these power projects.
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