Impact of Global Warming on the Himalayas

A study to assess the impact of climate change on four sectors in four regions of India including Himalayan Region has been undertaken and a report titled “Climate Change and India: 4X4 Assessment - A Sectoral and Regional Analysis for 2030s” was published in 2010 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. As per the report, the mean annual temperature and precipitation for the Himalayan region is projected to increase by 2030 with respect to base year 1970. Drought severity in the region is likely to increase despite extreme precipitation in some areas of the region. Malaria transmission is also likely to increase. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in the Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy.

She further stated that as per the Forest of Survey India report, 2011, total forest cover in the country has increased by 0.11 Million hectares from 60.09 Million hectares in 2007 to 69.20 Million hectare in 201.

RM/RS- USQ1553 - RS