Gangotri Glacier

A recent study conducted by IIT Indore in collaboration with international researchers reveals that the Gangotri Glacier has lost 10% of its snowmelt flow over the last four decades due to climate change. This loss poses a significant concern for the Ganges river, which is primarily fed by the glacier’s meltwater.

About Gangotri Glacier

The Gangotri Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas and the primary source of the Ganges, India’s largest and most revered river. Below are key facts about this iconic glacier:

1. Location:

   • The Gangotri Glacier is situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, in the Garhwal Himalayas.

   • It lies at an altitude of about 4,000 meters and borders Tibet.

2. Source of the Ganges:

   • The glacier is the source of the Bhagirathi River, which eventually merges with the Alaknanda River at Devprayag to form the Ganges.

3. Dimensions:

   • The glacier is around 30 km in length and 4 km in width.

   • Its terminus, located at Gaumukh, is shaped like a cow’s mouth, and it is popularly referred to as Gaumukh.

4. Religious Significance:

   • The Gangotri Glacier holds immense religious significance in Hinduism, as it is considered the origin of the sacred Ganges river. It is an important pilgrimage site visited by thousands of devotees every year.

   • Pilgrims trek up to Gaumukh, the glacier’s snout, to witness the source of the Ganges and seek spiritual blessings.

5. Feeding Peaks:

   • The glacier is fed by snow and ice from several prominent peaks in the region, including Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi III.

Impact of Climate Change on the Gangotri Glacier

1. Glacial Retreat and Loss of Snowmelt Flow:

   • According to the study, 10% of the snowmelt flow has been lost over the past 40 years. This is a direct result of climate change, which has led to rising temperatures and accelerated melting of glaciers in the region.

2. Consequences for the Ganges River:

   • The snowmelt from the Gangotri Glacier plays a crucial role in maintaining the flow of the Bhagirathi River, which feeds into the Ganges.

   • A decrease in the glacier’s snowmelt flow could have serious implications for the Ganges' water levels, particularly during dry seasons, impacting both ecological systems and human communities that rely on the river for water, agriculture, and livelihoods.

3. Glacial Retreat and Environmental Risks:

   • As the glacier retreats, the permafrost and glacial meltwater affect downstream ecosystems and human settlements.

   • The Gangotri Glacier's retreat is an alarming sign of the broader impact of global warming in the Himalayan region.

Importance of the Study

This study is critical because it:

• Highlights the impact of climate change on a significant natural resource that supports millions of people and ecosystems.

• Calls attention to the urgency of addressing climate change through conservation and mitigation measures to protect the Ganges and the livelihoods dependent on it.

• Provides valuable data for future climate models and helps in strategic planning for the future of the Ganges basin and the regions surrounding it.

Key Facts to Remember:

• Location: Gangotri Glacier, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India.

• Length: 30 km, Width: 4 km.

• Source of: Bhagirathi River (which forms the Ganges).

• Religious Significance: Sacred in Hinduism, visited by thousands of pilgrims.

• Climate Change Impact: 10% loss in snowmelt flow over the last 40 years.

• Study by: IIT Indore and international collaborators.

Conclusion:

The Gangotri Glacier is not just a natural marvel but also a vital source of water for the Ganges River, which sustains millions of people and ecosystems. The study’s findings about the glacier's melting due to climate change are a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices and proactive efforts to mitigate climate change impacts. The loss of snowmelt flow from the glacier could have cascading effects on water resources, agriculture, and the well-being of millions who depend on the river