Research on Himalayan Glaciers

A number of glaciers have been taken up for monitoring studies in the different parts of Indian Himalaya by several Government agencies like Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), Dehradun, Geological Survey of India (GSI), Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), Chandigarh etsc.

The research on Himalayan glaciers shows that most of the Himalayan glaciers are receding gradually due to the orographic and climatic variability. A number of weather stations have been set up to collect real time weather observations at different altitudes in the glacier areas of the Himalaya to assess and evaluate the climate change.

The amount spent for research on Himalayan Glaciers during the last three years is given below :

• 2004-2005 : Rs. 1,11,10,689/-
• 2005-2006 : Rs. 74,48,000/-
• 2006-2007 : Rs. 1,16,00,000/-
• 2007-2008 : Rs. 2,21,40,000/-

The Himalayan Glaciology is a continuing programme of Department of Science & Technology. In addition to the need of funds for on-going activities, the Department of Science & technology (DST) is in the process of establishing a National Centre for Himalayan Glaciology as well as few Regional Centres for Himalayan Glaciology. Accordingly, DST proposed to increase the budget estimate for Himalayan Glaciology Programme during the 11th Five Year Plan.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Kapil Sibal in the Lok sabha today.

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : November 23, 2007