Impact of climate change on water resources in Indian Himalaya

Abstract

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) which is a domicile ~4% of the country’s population is a rich depository of biodiversity, a natural habitat of ~8000 species of flowering plants, over 816 tree species, 675 edibles and nearly 1740 species of medicinal plants. The region encompasses over several states of India, i.e., JK, HP, UK, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh and the hill regions of Assam and West Bengal. This vast region is important in global atmospheric circulation and is vulnerable due to its unique geology, rich natural resources, and socioeconomic milieu. Climate change may cause a significant impact on this region. Water resources in this region are one of the vital inputs for the survival of mankind and rich biodiversity. Climate change can affect significantly in the quantum of flow as snow and glacial melt is the major contributor of the rivers’ flow in this region. The serious challenge is related to frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events like rainfall which may lead to flash floods, landslides and debris flow. There will be both short- and long-term implications due to climate change in this region. A large knowledge gap exists in the present scenario regarding the climate change implications on water resources and related hazards in the Himalayas and their downstream river basins. Primary data generation and its utilization in developing scenarios taking into account water demand and socio-economic development as a whole are required. Establishment of monitoring system for snow, ice, and water and use of latest hydrological model are the keys. Climate change may have a detrimental effect on the present socio-economic structure in the region also. Society will also have to adapt to the stresses of the climate change on the livelihood. Participation of people in their general welfare backed by institutional support and updated knowledge base will be important in the changed climate scenario.