Degradation of Water and Land Resources in the Himalayan Mountain Ecosystems

Himalayan region is considered as the roof of the world. The nature of the Himalayan Mountain ecosystems is very complex. The climatic diversity of this region is significantly affected by the altitudinal diversity of Himalayan ecosystems. A large portion of area of this region is covered by glaciers as well as seasonal snow. The Himalayan Mountain ecosystems have great influence on the global climate, rainfall, atmospheric circulation, agricultural production, etc. The water resources from the Himalayan region drain through ten major rivers in Asia. The Himalayan Mountain ecosystem is very much vulnerable to climate change impacts. There is a significant knowledge gap of the long-term impact of climate change on water in the Himalayas, and their river basins in the downstream areas. Degradation of natural resources in the Himalayan region are found to be serious environmental issue. The water resources of entire Himalayan region are now facing high threats from various driving forces. Land degradation is also another serious problem in the Himalayan ecosystems. Various natural as well as man-made factors are responsible for the land degradation. Soil erosion is one of the major reasons of soil degradation of this region. Climate change in the Himalayan region induced various hazards like floods, landslides, and droughts which significantly affect the livelihoods of downstream population. Soil erosion may be of various types including mass erosion, sheet erosion, water erosion, terrace failure, and so on. Soil erosion decreases crop productivity and soil Fertility. This review article mainly focuses on the information regarding various factors of water and soil degradation in the Himalayan region and their probable remedial steps.