Question : REPORT ON GLACIERS



(a) whether the Government has received any report on glaciers study recently;

(b) if so, the details of recommendations made therein; and

(c) the action taken by the Government on the implementation of such recommendations?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) &(b) A ‘Report of the Study Group on Himalayan Glaciers’ prepared by the Study Group set up by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, was published in March, 2011. The key recommendations in the report relate to long-term comprehensive studies on science issues, development of human resources, regional planning and ecosystem management and establishment of National Institution for Glaciology that could serve as a repository of data.

(c) A National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was launched on June 30, 2008 which includes a National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system with a view, inter-alia, to strengthen the system for observing and monitoring the Himalayan glaciers. The Mission activities include establishment of the National Centre for Himalayan Glaciology, Networking of knowledge institutions, training of glaciologists and strengthening of existing institutions.