Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has issued a stark warning about the future of India’s rivers, suggesting that the next Maha Kumbh, scheduled after 144 years, might be conducted on dry riverbeds if immediate action isn’t taken to preserve Himalayan glaciers. In an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Wangchuk emphasized the urgent need to address the rapid melting of these glaciers, which serve as the source for many of India’s sacred rivers.
Wangchuk, renowned for his environmental initiatives in Ladakh, expressed deep concern over the accelerated melting of Himalayan glaciers. He highlighted that if current trends continue, rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra might transform into seasonal streams, jeopardizing events like the Maha Kumbh. This transformation could profoundly impact the cultural and spiritual fabric of India, as these rivers hold immense significance in Hindu traditions.
In his letter, Wangchuk praised Prime Minister Modi’s previous environmental efforts and called for the establishment of a dedicated commission to assess and monitor the health of Himalayan glaciers. He proposed declaring major glaciers as national treasures to ensure their protection. “India needs to take the lead in glacier preservation, as our sacred rivers originate from the Himalayas,” Wangchuk stated. He also sought an audience with the Prime Minister to present a block of ice from one of Ladakh’s rapidly melting glaciers, symbolizing a message from the climate-affected communities of the region.
The United Nations has designated 2025 as the “International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation,” underscoring the global importance of this issue. Studies have shown that Himalayan glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate. The Press Information Bureau reported that the mean retreat rate of Hindu Kush Himalayan glaciers is approximately 14.9 meters per annum, with variations across different river basins. For instance, glaciers in the Ganga basin retreat at about 15.5 meters annually, while those in the Brahmaputra basin see a retreat of 20.2 meters per year. This rapid melting poses significant threats to water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods for millions who depend on these rivers.
The implications of diminishing glaciers extend beyond water scarcity. The alteration of river flows can lead to reduced hydroelectric power generation, affecting energy security. Agricultural practices, especially in the Indo-Gangetic plains, heavily rely on consistent river flows for irrigation. A decrease in water availability could lead to reduced crop yields, threatening food security. Moreover, the cultural and religious practices intertwined with these rivers face unprecedented challenges.
Wangchuk’s concerns are echoed by various environmentalists and researchers. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) reported that even with global temperature increases limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, Himalayan glaciers could lose up to 50% of their volume by 2100. Such a scenario would drastically alter the region’s hydrology, leading to more frequent and severe water shortages.
In light of these pressing concerns, Wangchuk urged the Indian government to spearhead global efforts in glacier preservation. He emphasized the need for comprehensive policies focusing on sustainable development, afforestation, and reduced carbon emissions. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial to educate communities about the importance of glaciers and the consequences of their rapid decline.
The ongoing Maha Kumbh, which commenced on January 13 and concludes today, is held at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The potential of future Maha Kumbh events occurring on dry riverbeds serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on our invaluable natural resources.
In conclusion, the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers presents a multifaceted challenge that threatens India’s water security, cultural heritage, and ecological balance. Immediate and sustained action is imperative to preserve these glaciers for future generations. As Wangchuk aptly warns, without prompt intervention, cherished traditions like the Maha Kumbh could face an uncertain future on the sands of once-mighty rivers.
