Himalayan glaciers develop cracks

New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) The Himalayan glaciers have developed cracks, says a Geological Survey of India study.

Excerpts from the study were released by the Ministry of Environment and Forests today on the occasion of the World Environment Day being observed this year on the theme--'Melting Ice-a Hot Topic?'.

The glaciers show recession both in area and volume, said the official report but it disputed the ''presumption'' by experts that the recession will ultimately lead to reduction in water availability in Himalayan rivers.

According to the Report, recession of Himalayan glacier is a natural cyclic process sensitive to climate fluctuation wherein the rise in global average temperature results in melting of the glaciers.

The GSI studies have revealed that the majority of glaciers of Himalayan Region are passing through a phase of recession for over a century now.

The recession may result due to sub-normal snowfall, higher temperature during summer, less severe winter or a combination of all of them.

Thus, the recession of the glaciers does not necessarily mean rapid melting. Due to enhanced melting of ice, consequent upon faster recession the run off the Himalayan rivers may increase initially but it may ultimately lead to some reduction of water availability in future, as the size and number of glaciers may reduce.

However, the Himalayan Rivers will continue to flow as the major parts of the water in these rivers come from seasonal snowfall, groundwater, precipitation, etc.

Hence, the presumption of recession of glaciers will lead to reduction in water availability is not well founded.

As the recession of the glaciers is a natural process, it cannot be checked in absolute terms. However, the Government has identified the possible measures for reducing the recession of glacier which include conservation activities such as afforestation, removal of garbage, restriction on human interference on glaciers and promotion of sustainable eco-tourism.

ISRO and Ministry of Environment and Forests are carrying out a comprehensive programme on inventory of glaciers, their retreat and mass balance studies. This programme will help in monitoring the glaciers in the Himalayas.

UNI