Cryospheric changes and livelihood vulnerability in Lahaul Region of North-Western Himalaya, India

The research on climate and cryospheric change has primarily focused on snow, ice, permafrost, and water, with less attention given to how local communities perceive and experience these changes. Therefore, in this field-based study, we synthesized community observations and experiences of climate and cryosphere changes, as well as livelihood vulnerability and adaptation. Measurements of the actual climatic and cryospheric changes were also carried out, and comparisons between the measured and local people’s observations were conducted. For the study purpose two sub-watershed (Urgos and Biling) were selected in the Chandrabhaga basin, Lahaul region of the North-Western Himalaya, located at different altitudes, Urgos watershed at ~ 3160 to 4888 m and Biling watershed at ~ 2906 to 6071 m above sea level. In the Urgos and Billing watersheds, settlements exist between ~ 3160 to 3400 m and ~ 2900 to 3450 m a.s.l, respectively. Primary data were collected from 119 households for calculation of human, natural, physical, social and economic capitals, vulnerability, livelihood adaptive capacity, and community perception of climatic and cryospheric variability. Secondary data from the Census of India, Indian Meteorological Department, satellite imagery and the images available on the Google Earth Pro platform were used to verify changes in the region. Local communities reported more fluctuations in climate and substantial changes in the cryospheric system in the recent decades. The results of the study show that residents of the Urgos watershed are more vulnerable with an average score of 0.43 than residents of the Biling watershed with an average score of 0.29. People living in both watersheds are similar in terms of exposure, but the Urgos watershed sensitivity is higher due to its lesser adaptive capacity. Additionally, it was observed in the study area that social capital plays a significant role in community growth and development as well as the society’s ability to adapt.