Rapid Himalayan Glacier Melt Poses Significant Climate Risk to Northeast India and Bangladesh, Experts Warn
Why in News?
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Rapid glacier melting in the Third Pole (HKH region) has become a critical climate concern, with potential disastrous effects on water security, infrastructure, and ecosystems in Northeast India and Bangladesh. Prof. Nayan Sharma’s warning reinforces the urgency to act on climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience in the Brahmaputra basin and beyond.
Important Key Points:
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The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, known as the “Third Pole”, holds the largest concentration of frozen water after the North and South Poles.
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Prof. Nayan Sharma, an internationally acclaimed river expert and former IIT Roorkee professor, warns of rapid glacier melting in the HKH region due to climate change.
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The HKH region is warming faster than the global average, posing severe risks to the Northeast India and Bangladesh.
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Scientific studies forecast that if current warming trends continue:
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The total glacier area in HKH may shrink from 500,000 sq km to 100,000 sq km by 2035.
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IPCC AR4 report previously warned of Himalayan glaciers disappearing by 2035.
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Prof. Sharma observed glacier retreat in the Austrian Alps, highlighting a global trend of glacier loss.
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The temperature gradient between Himalayan snow mass and Bay of Bengal SST (Sea Surface Temperature) significantly impacts Brahmaputra plains’ climate.
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Fast melting of snow will cause:
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Increased summer river discharge
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Worsening flood and erosion patterns
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Threats to infrastructure like bridges, dams, and irrigation systems in the Brahmaputra Basin
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An urgent design review of infrastructure is needed, including retrofitting with modern climate-resilient technology.
