With reference to the melting of glaciers in Uttarakhand, consider the following statements: 1. The Milam glacier was recorded melting at a rate of 37.8 meters per year. 2. A total of 23 major glaciers in Uttarakhand were identified as melting rapidly. 3. The study identified only 10 major glaciers in Uttarakhand showing significant retreat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Uttarakhand's Glaciers Are Melting Rapidly, Study Flags Threats

GS1History · Society · Geography· Physical geography (landforms, oceans, climate)· Prelims + Mains· 19 September 2026

Cryosphere degradation and water security: a key GS1 Geography and GS3 Disaster Management topic.

Why in news

A Discover Geoscience study highlighted that 23 major glaciers in Uttarakhand are melting rapidly, threatening water security and increasing disaster risks.

Background

The study identified 23 major glaciers in Uttarakhand, including Gangotri, Khatling, and Milam, experiencing significant retreat. The Milam glacier was recorded melting at a rate of 37.8 meters per year due to rising temperatures and geographical settings.

Facts for Prelims

PlaceGangotri, Khatling, and Milam glaciers are located in Uttarakhand, India
FactThe Milam glacier is melting at a rate of 37.8 meters per year
FactA total of 23 major glaciers in Uttarakhand were identified as melting rapidly in the study

Prelims practice question

With reference to the melting of glaciers in Uttarakhand, consider the following statements:

The Milam glacier was recorded melting at a rate of 37.8 meters per year.
A total of 23 major glaciers in Uttarakhand were identified as melting rapidly.
The study identified only 10 major glaciers in Uttarakhand showing significant retreat.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)1 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The study identified 23 major glaciers.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the implications of accelerated Himalayan glacial retreat on India's water security and disaster management strategies.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Hydrological instability: Reduced perennial flow affecting irrigation and hydropower generation in downstream regions
Disaster vulnerability: Increased risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and flash floods in Himalayan corridors

Keywords: Glacial retreat · Cryosphere degradation · Water security · Climate vulnerability · Hydropower impact

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note Source: NDTV ↗Also: GS3 · Climate change & international agreements

More Geography notes

Tso Kar, one of Ladakh's iconic high-altitude lakes, has lost nearly 70% · 14 September 2026
Landslides in Uttarakhand Hit Homes, Car; 12 Die as Heavy Rains Continue · 2 September 2026
The death toll from flash floods and mudslides in Nepal rose · 31 August 2026
Magnitude 4.4 quake triggers glacier fall, kills hundreds, threatens barrier lake breach · 29 August 2026
Glacial collapse near Nepal-China border kills 270, leaves over 1,500 missing · 27 August 2026
Visakhapatnam Airport Shuts Commercial Flights as VTZ Code Moves to Bhogapuram · 17 August 2026

All Geography current affairs →

Something wrong, or something missing?

Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.

Report a mistake →Ask for something →[email protected]

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.