Glaciological Study and Climate Change in Indian Perspective

In the late nineteenth century, glacial studies in the Himalayas began with a focus on measuring glacier snouts. Historical records from 1780 AD highlight the earliest observations of Himalayan glaciers, detailing floods caused by Kumdan glaciers in Ladakh. Detailed sketches of glacier fronts, including Rimo, Kumdan, and Sonamarg Glacier, were produced in the mid-nineteenth century. A photograph of the ‘Cow’s mouth’ (Gaumukh), the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, was published around the same time. Remote sensing techniques have significantly advanced glacier studies, particularly in extensive glacier mapping. Recognizing the vital role of water in life, the International Commission on Snow and Ice (ICSI) formulated guidelines for completing glacier inventory data in 1970. In 2010, the Government of India launched the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-System under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. This mission is crucial as the Himalayas house primary resources of snow and glaciers, serving as the largest source of mineral and clean water for perennial rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra. Preserving and sustainably managing the Himalayan ecosystem is essential for ensuring the continued availability of these vital resources.