Arunachal Pradesh loses 110 glaciers in 32 years, study finds

Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed a significant loss of glaciers over the past three decades, with 110 glaciers disappearing between 1988 and 2020, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Earth System Science.

A news report of the study in the New Indian Express highlights that in 1988, the state had 756 glaciers spanning an area of 585.23 sq km. By 2020, the number of glaciers had reduced to 646, with their total area shrinking to 275.381 sq km. This translates to an annual glacier loss of approximately 16.94 sq km.

The research was conducted by Vimha Ritse, Amenuo Susan Kulnu, and Latonglila Jamir from Nagaland University’s Department of Environmental Science, along with Nabajit Hazarika from Cotton University’s Department of Environmental Biology and Wildlife Sciences. Most of the glaciers surveyed lie at elevations between 4,500 and 4,800 metres above mean sea level, primarily oriented towards the north.

The study underscores the importance of monitoring these natural freshwater reserves for effective water resource management. It points out that glaciers are critical indicators of climate change but remain poorly inventoried in the Himalayas, especially in the eastern region, due to challenging terrain and limited technological advancements.

The Himalayas, often called the ‘Third Pole,’ contain the largest collection of glaciers outside the Polar regions and serve as a vital freshwater source for over 1.3 billion people. These glaciers are crucial in maintaining the region’s hydrological balance and influencing global sea levels.

The findings emphasise the urgent need for enhanced research and conservation efforts to mitigate the effects of glacial retreat driven by climate change.