UPSC Mains 2020 · GS I · Q6 · 10 marks · 150 words

How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India ?

हिन्दी में

हिमालय के हिमनदों के पिघलने का भारत के जल-संसाधनों पर किस प्रकार दूरगामी प्रभाव होगा ?

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “The melting of glaciers due to Climate Change has serious implications for ecosystem and human society. Discuss the effects of melting glaciers on the environment and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.”

Saloni VatsAIR 273 · CSE 2025 · 173 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a recent event

A Recent report of Thwaites glacier, also known as Doomsday glacier, melting at Antarctica has raised concerns due to Climate Change.

Body · points

Impact of Melting Glaciers of Environment

  1. Emissions from sub-surface organisms → The glacier melts → microorganisms like bacteria activates → anaerobic respiration → Releases Co2 or Methane

  2. Increases Climate Change Ice melt → Lesser Albedo → More heat absorption

Diagram
- Vicious cycle - Climate change → Ice melt → Lesser Albedo → More heat absorption → Climate change
  1. River ecosystem impacted : Source of perennial rivers (long term loss), flooding, flow reduced. → Himalayan Rivers like Shyok, Indus

  2. Biodiversity like Arctic horses, penguins, seals. [Documentary showing evidence of Penguin loss]

Measures suggested for Mitigating this glacial melt

  1. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions → Panchamrita strategy to achieve goal of 1.5°C / 2°C below level increase. (Paris agreement)

  2. Adopting [LiFE] strategy → lifestyle for Environment → Sustainable livelihood & lives

  3. Global Collaboration to protect world-wide glaciers [Antarctica Treaty can be used]

  4. One 'Whole Ecosystem' based plan to reduce impact of all activities.

Close · a way forward

Glacier Melt is a sign of urgency. The time to act is now!

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Q6. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.