ISCA chief warns against global warming

Bhopal, Apr 19: The unprecedented downpours that lashed Mumbai two years ago, devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the United States and recent hail in Hyderabad might all be linked to global warming, Indian Science Congress Association President Harsh Gupta said.

''In the 20th century, the planet's average temperature rose by about half a degree Celsius but present circumstances make it seem as if the temperature might rise by five notches this century,'' he told reporters here yesterday. Dr Gupta was invited by the Madhya Pradesh Science and Technology Council in connection with the Planet Earth Campaign, a United Nations initiative.

The scientist explained that while on India's 1983 Antarctic expedition he had christened the Indian Station there Southern Gangotri after observing an immense glacier. However, on a 2005 expedition he was dismayed to notice that the glacier had shrunk considerably and receded 20 m.

''The number of glaciers in the Himachal region declined by about 20 per cent. If this rate continues, the holy Ganga might be endangered. Due to the population explosion, India's energy consumption has increased six times over five decades.

Non-implementation of policy is a matter of concern,'' Dr Gupta felt.

Madhya Pradesh Science and Technology Council Director-General Mahesh Sharma was among those present.

UNI