Himalayan Snow and Ice - under Threat due to Global Warming

Enormous snow and ice reservoirs of the Himalayan region are blessings wrapped in a difficult package, as these are the hardest approachable in a geologically immature terrain with fragile steep slopes located at high altitudes. Apex Himalayan snow and glaciers. with high variability in precipitation, form the tallest water tower -an open laboratory for scientific investigations for soil and water conservation, of great relevance to inhabitants of Indo -Gangetic plains. The water from snow melt is about 1000 km³/ yr while the high sediment load of Himalayan Rivers exceeds the global average by two orders of magnitude. These enormous fluxes offer great opportunities and challenges for evolving soil and water conversation strategies. The release of soluble nutrients in high-altitude of environment stimulates the growth of complex microbial communities, influencing biodiversity of the region.

Man-made global warming has altered the distribution of seasonal snow cover and resulted in glacial retreats. Himalayan glaciers have been in a general state of retreat since 1850 but their behavior is not synchronous with the glaciers located in high latitude regions. Some glaciers are retreating; some advancing and some others are stationary. The recent warming is resulting in fast glacial retreat, changing the pattern of melt water supplies which could affect the productivity of ecosystems in the region. Sustainable water resource management needs integration of science and technology with socio-economic development in the region. Strong database approach is needed so that resource modelling and prediction becomes possible for their optimal use and reduction of damages from natural hazards for the benefit of farming community.