The Himalayas, frequently referred to as the “Third Pole,” contain the largest accumulation of glaciers outside the polar regions, serving as a vital source of fresh water for over 1.3 billion individuals downstream. Nevertheless, the swift retreat of glaciers observed in recent decades has sparked significant concerns regarding the sustainability of water resources and the ecological equilibrium in the area.This research employed Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine the alterations in glaciers within Arunachal Pradesh from 1988 to 2020. The majority of the glaciers in this region are located at altitudes ranging from 4,500 to 4,800 meters above sea level. The findings indicate a significant decline in glacier coverage, with 756 glaciers occupying approximately 585.23 square kilometers in 1988, which decreased to 646 glaciers covering only 275.38 square kilometers by 2020. The researchers calculated an average annual glacier loss of 16.94 square kilometers, noting that smaller glaciers, particularly those under 5 square kilometers, are receding at an accelerated pace.The implications of glacier retreat are not confined to the immediate vicinity. Communities that depend on glacial meltwater for agricultural and drinking purposes may encounter future shortages. While the initial increase in melting may result in flooding and erratic river flows, the long-term effect of diminished glacial mass will lead to reduced water availability.
Additionally, the growth of glacial lakes presents hazards, as sudden floods from glacial lake outburst events can be catastrophic.Despite the pressing nature of this issue, research focused on the Eastern Himalayas is still relatively scarce. This study enhances the understanding of glacial transformations and their repercussions on future water supply. The researchers underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and the development of enhanced climate adaptation strategies to effectively manage water resources.As climate change continues to alter the Himalayan landscape, investigations such as this one provide essential data to guide water management and disaster preparedness efforts.The research was led by Dr. Latonglila Jamir of Nagaland University and Dr. Nabajit Hazarika of Cotton University, along with research scholars Vimha Ritse and Amenuo Susan Kulnu from Nagaland University. The study was recently published in the Journal of Earth System Science.
