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Major glaciers of India

Introduction

India, with its vast and diverse topography, is home to numerous glaciers, especially in the northern Himalayan and Karakoram regions. Glaciers are not only vital sources of fresh water but also act as critical indicators of climate change. Understanding these glaciers is crucial for both environmental studies and general knowledge in exams like UPSC. This eBook covers the major glaciers in India, providing key information on their location, features, and significance.

UPSC preparation tips, articles, and strategies by Amoghavarsha IAS KAS Academy.

Siachen Glacier

Location: Eastern Karakoram Range, Ladakh, near the Indo-Pakistan border.

Length: Approximately 76 km, making it the longest glacier in India.

Significance:

  • Siachen is strategically significant due to its location in a disputed region between India and Pakistan.
  • It supplies the Nubra River, which merges into the Shyok River, ultimately contributing to the Indus River system.
  • Known as the “Third Pole,” it is the world’s second-longest glacier in non-polar regions.
  • The glacier is an active military zone, witnessing some of the world’s highest-altitude military operations.

Key Points for UPSC:

  • Siachen’s location in the Karakoram Range.
  • Its geopolitical importance and its impact on the local environment and ecology.

Gangotri Glacier

Location: Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, Garhwal Himalayas.

Length: Approximately 30 km.

Significance:

  • The Gangotri Glacier is the primary source of the River Ganga, originating at Gaumukh.
  • It is one of India’s most well-known glaciers due to its religious significance and historical references in Hindu scriptures.
  • The glacier is situated at an elevation of 4,000 m and is surrounded by peaks such as Shivling and Bhagirathi.

Environmental Concerns:

  • The glacier has been retreating rapidly due to global warming, raising concerns about water availability for the Ganga basin.

Key Points for UPSC:

  • Gangotri Glacier’s role as the source of the Ganga.
  • Its cultural and religious significance.

Zemu Glacier

Location: Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim.

Length: Approximately 26 km, the largest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas.

Significance:

  • Zemu Glacier feeds the Teesta River, an important river for Sikkim and West Bengal.
  • The glacier lies on the southeastern face of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.
  • Known for its rugged terrain and challenging access, Zemu is an attraction for mountaineers and trekkers.

Environmental Concerns:

  • The retreat of Zemu Glacier could impact the water flow of the Teesta, affecting irrigation, hydroelectric power, and local communities.

Key Points for UPSC:

  • Zemu’s significance as a water source for the Teesta.
  • Its location in the Eastern Himalayas near Mount Kanchenjunga.

Milam Glacier

Location: Pithoragarh District, Uttarakhand, Kumaon Himalayas.

Length: Approximately 16 km.

Significance:

  • Milam Glacier is the source of the Goriganga River, a tributary of the Kali River.
  • Historically, it was an important trade route between India and Tibet until the 1962 Indo-China war.
  • Milam is surrounded by high peaks like Hardeol, Trishuli, and Rishi Pahar.

Environmental Concerns:

  • Like other glaciers, Milam is retreating, impacting the river systems in the region.

Key Points for UPSC:

  • Milam Glacier’s location in the Kumaon Himalayas.
  • Its historical trade route significance and its environmental impact on local river systems.

Pindari Glacier

Location: Bageshwar District, Uttarakhand, Kumaon Himalayas.

Length: Approximately 9 km.

Significance:

  • Known for its scenic beauty, Pindari Glacier is popular for trekking.
  • The glacier is the source of the Pindar River, which merges with the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand.
  • It lies between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot mountains.

Environmental Concerns:

  • Pindari Glacier has shown significant retreat, contributing to changes in water flow and local ecosystem challenges.

Key Points for UPSC:

  • Location of Pindari Glacier in the Kumaon region.
  • Its importance as a trek destination and a source of the Pindar River.

Dokriani Glacier

Location: Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, in the Gangotri region of the Himalayas.

Length: Approximately 5 km.

Significance:

  • Dokriani Glacier, located near the Gangotri Glacier, is a source of the Bhagirathi River, which eventually joins the Ganga.
  • It is closely monitored by scientists for studying the impacts of climate change on glaciers.

Environmental Concerns:

  • The glacier is studied for its rapid retreat and its implications on water resources in the Ganga Basin.

Key Points for UPSC:

  • Dokriani’s proximity to Gangotri.
  • Its importance in climate change studies and water resource management.

Kolahoi Glacier

Location: Anantnag District, Jammu & Kashmir, in the Lidder Valley.

Length: Approximately 5 km.

Significance:

  • Kolahoi Glacier is the main source of the Jhelum River, vital for Kashmir’s water needs.
  • Located near Pahalgam, it is an essential glacier in Jammu & Kashmir.

Environmental Concerns:

  • Kolahoi Glacier is rapidly retreating, affecting the Lidder River and Jhelum basin.

Key Points for UPSC:

  • Kolahoi’s role as a major water source for Kashmir.
  • Its environmental and hydrological importance.

Conclusion

India’s glaciers are not only vital for its rivers and ecosystems but are also indicators of climate change due to their sensitivity to temperature variations. Glaciers like Siachen and Gangotri are not just geographical features but hold strategic and cultural importance, making them significant for UPSC exams. Understanding these glaciers provides insights into water resources, environmental challenges, and strategic geography, all essential for India’s sustainable future.

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