Farmers worried over glaciers melting fast in Lahaul-Spiti
The impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident in Lahaul and Spiti district where the size of glaciers is shrinking at an alarming rate. This has raised serious concerns among the local population, particularly among the farmers, who are anxious about how to meet their irrigation needs in the near future.
Mohan Lal Relingpa, a native of the Lahaul valley, has highlighted the urgency of implementing snow harvesting techniques in the region to secure water for agricultural purposes. He says such measures will help address water shortage during the summer when a drought-like condition is often experienced in the district.
Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, who recommended the introduction of snow harvesting in the district as a potential solution, raised the issue in the Vidhan Sabha. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri confirmed the alarming decline in the number of glaciers in the tribal regions, coupled with the growing dependence of farmers on lift irrigation schemes.
The Himachal Pradesh State Climate Change Centre, under the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology, and Environment, has conducted extensive studies on the retreating glaciers in the Himalayan regions. According to the findings, significant glacial reductions have been observed between 2001 and 2007.
For instance, the glaciers in the Chandra sub-basin of Lahaul and Spiti has shrunk by 2.4 per cent, from 603.26 sq km in 2001 to 588 sq km. Similarly, glaciers in the Bhaga basin has reduced by 3.32 per cent, from 313 sq km to 303 sq km. The Miyar sub-basin has experienced a 2.4 per cent reduction, from 385 sq km to 376 sq km, while the Spiti sub-basin has reduced by 2.4 per cent, from 482 sq km to 470 sq km.
“To tackle this alarming situation, the Jal Shakti Department had prepared a detailed project report (DPR) of Rs 1,269.29 crore. The report envisioned a ‘Climate Resilient and Sustainable Service Delivery’ for irrigation and water supply in Lahaul and Spiti district through snow storage (artificial glaciers). This DPR was forwarded to the Department of Environment, Science and Technology and Climate Change for funding on February 21, 2023, in a hope to find a sustainable solution to the growing water scarcity,” said Agnihotri.
Shrinkage widespread
- The glaciers in the Chandra sub-basin of Lahaul and Spiti has shrunk by 2.4%, from 603.26 sq km in 2001 to 588 sq km
- The glaciers in the Bhaga basin has reduced by 3.32%, from 313 sq km to 303 sq km
- The Miyar sub-basin has seen a 2.4% reduction, from 385 sq km to 376 sq km
- The Spiti sub-basin has also reduced by 2.4%, from 482 sq km to 470 sq km
