SRINAGAR: The Government of India said it has been actively funding studies and initiatives to understand and address the effects of climate change in the Himalayan region, as revealed in the Lok Sabha. The efforts are part of a larger strategy under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and other focused programmes.
To study the impacts of climate change in the Himalayas, multiple departments and institutions have been allocated funds. Key initiatives include the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-System, launched by the Department of Science and Technology, and research on Himalayan glaciers conducted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. These studies aim to evaluate glacial melting, water sustainability, and biodiversity shifts. Additionally, the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment undertakes research on climate change impacts, and the National Mission on Himalayan Studies supports innovative projects for the region’s ecological and socio-economic sustenance.
The government has published findings on critical areas such as biodiversity changes, glacial retreat, livelihood challenges, and vulnerability assessments. These studies contribute significantly to understanding the risks posed by climate change and framing adaptive measures.
Regarding the recent flooding in the Teesta Basin in Sikkim, attributed to climate change, Rs 40 crore has been approved for the state under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund to address the risks of glacial lake outburst floods. This funding is part of broader efforts to mitigate climate-related disasters in the region.
These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to tackling the complex challenges posed by climate change in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
