(a) whether the Government have not conducted any study to assess the impeding danger of flash flooding In the Himalayas as a result of fast melting glacier lakes as reported in the `Pioneer` dated April 22, 2002;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore and
(c) the steps taken or proposed to be taken to arrest the catastrophe and to meet the disastrous flood situation?
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU):
(a) and (b) The Ministry of Environment and Forests has not conducted any such study. However, some studies carried out by some other agencies have indicated that these glaciers are passing through a phase of recession. The recession of glaciers is a natural process sensitive to climatic fluctuation wherein the rise in global average
temperature (called global warming) results in melting of the glaciers in extents varying with their locations aswell as seasons.
(c) The rate of recession in different climatic zones of the Himalayas is found to be different in different years.]It has been estimated that during the coming ten years the rate of recession is not likely to reach on extent,which could cause water scarcity. The measures take to reduce the effect of human interference on glaciers include conservation activities such as afforestation, removal of garbage and promotion of sustainable eco-tourism.