India merges glaciology units, raising climate risk concerns
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains·
Glaciology and disaster management: a GS3 and Science & Technology case study on climate vulnerability.
Why in news
India's 2020 merger of the Centre for Glaciology and SASE into a broader entity has sparked concerns over reduced research capacity to monitor Himalayan glacier retreat and GLOFs.
Background
India shut down the Centre for Glaciology in Dehradun and merged the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) in Manali in 2020. Scientists warn that these moves may reduce the capacity to monitor Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and avalanches caused by climate change.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceCentre for Glaciology was located in Dehradun
- PlaceSnow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) was located in Manali
- FactGlacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are identified as high mountain hazards
Prelims practice question
In which city was the Centre for Glaciology located before its merger?
- (a)Gangtok
- (b)Leh
- (c)Shimla
- (d)Dehradun
Show answer
Answer: (d) Dehradun — The note states that the Centre for Glaciology was located in Dehradun.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the implications of reducing specialized glaciological research infrastructure on India's disaster management strategies in the face of accelerating climate change.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Data gap: Reduced specialized monitoring of glacial lake expansion and retreat rates
- Hazard vulnerability: Increased risk to Himalayan communities from GLOFs and avalanches
- Policy trade-off: Balancing administrative consolidation against specialized scientific research requirements
Keywords: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods · Climate Vulnerability · Glaciology · Disaster Mitigation · Himalayan Ecology
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.