Recent studies have brought into light the alarming issue of permafrost melting in the Kashmir Himalaya. Thawing permafrost poses risks to infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities in the region. As global temperatures rise, permafrost, which has remained frozen for millennia, is beginning to thaw. This melting releases harmful greenhouse gases such as methane, exacerbating climate change.
About Permafrost
Permafrost is defined as ground that has remained frozen for at least two consecutive years. It consists of soil, rock, and sediment. In Jammu and Kashmir, permafrost covers 64.8% of the area. This includes continuous, discontinuous, and sporadic permafrost, with the Ladakh plateau having the highest extent at 87%.
Impact on Local Communities
The melting of permafrost threatens 193 km of roads and 2,415 households in the region. Communities rely on stable ground for their homes and infrastructure. Thawing permafrost can lead to landslides and destabilise buildings.
Effects on Ecosystems
Permafrost degradation impacts over 900 alpine lakes and eight hydropower projects. The stability of these ecosystems is crucial for biodiversity. As permafrost thaws, it alters water flow and quality, affecting aquatic life.
Research Methodology
A comprehensive study employed satellite data from NASA’s MODIS sensor. Researchers analysed 1,176 land surface temperature images from 2002 to 2023. They examined 222,236 pixels to identify frozen and thawed areas. This methodology provides vital information about the extent of permafrost degradation.
Human and Natural Factors
Several factors contribute to permafrost melting. Natural causes include rising temperatures and geological activity. Human activities such as deforestation, land-use changes, and infrastructure development further exacerbate the situation. Tourism also increases pressure on these fragile ecosystems.
Glacial Lakes and Flood Risks
Permafrost thawing increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). In Jammu and Kashmir, there are 332 proglacial lakes, with 65 facing GLOF risks. These floods can cause devastating damage to communities and infrastructure.
Future Planning and Mitigation Strategies
Experts recommend that future infrastructure projects consider the presence of permafrost. Environmental impact assessments must account for GLOFs and related hazards. Increased awareness of permafrost risks is necessary for sustainable development in the region.
Monitoring and Data Collection
Current monitoring relies heavily on satellite data. However, there is a need for in-situ monitoring to improve accuracy. Deploying data loggers can help track temperature fluctuations and enhance understanding of permafrost dynamics.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the implications of permafrost melting on the Himalayan ecosystem and local communities.
- Critically examine the role of human activities in exacerbating permafrost degradation in the Kashmir region.
- Explain the concept of glacial lake outburst floods and their significance in the context of climate change.
- What are the potential impacts of permafrost thawing on infrastructure development in the Himalayan region? Discuss with suitable examples.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the implications of permafrost melting on the Himalayan ecosystem and local communities.
- Permafrost melting releases greenhouse gases like methane, worsening climate change.
- It threatens 193 km of roads and 2,415 households, destabilizing infrastructure.
- Over 900 alpine lakes are affected, altering water flow and quality, impacting biodiversity.
- Communities face increased risks of landslides and flooding, jeopardizing safety and livelihoods.
- Loss of permafrost disrupts local ecosystems, affecting flora and fauna dependent on stable conditions.
2. Critically examine the role of human activities in exacerbating permafrost degradation in the Kashmir region.
- Deforestation and land-use changes decrease vegetation that insulates permafrost from solar radiation.
- Infrastructure development, such as roads and dams, physically disturbs permafrost layers.
- Tourism increases foot traffic and resource extraction, applying pressure on fragile ecosystems.
- Human-induced climate change accelerates temperature rises, leading to faster permafrost thawing.
- Natural processes like earthquakes can be exacerbated by human activities, further destabilizing permafrost.
3. Explain the concept of glacial lake outburst floods and their significance in the context of climate change.
- GLOFs occur when proglacial lakes, formed by melting glaciers, suddenly release large volumes of water.
- They pose risks to communities and infrastructure downstream, causing catastrophic floods.
- Climate change accelerates glacier melting, increasing the formation of proglacial lakes and GLOF risks.
- In Jammu and Kashmir, 65 out of 332 identified proglacial lakes have notable GLOF risks.
- GLOFs highlight the urgent need for monitoring and risk assessment in climate-affected regions.
4. What are the potential impacts of permafrost thawing on infrastructure development in the Himalayan region? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Thawing permafrost can destabilize roads, increasing maintenance costs and safety risks (e.g., 193 km of roads threatened).
- Hydropower projects may face operational challenges due to altered water flow and increased sedimentation.
- Buildings and military infrastructure in permafrost-rich areas risk damage from landslides and ground subsidence.
- Past incidents, like the Chamoli avalanche, illustrate the dangers posed by thawing permafrost on infrastructure.
- Future construction must consider permafrost presence to ensure sustainability and reduce risks.
