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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2020 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (04-Oct-2020)

The melting of Himalayan glaciers, often called the "Third Pole," will have severe and far-reaching impacts on India's water resources. These glaciers are the lifeblood of our major perennial rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra.

In the short term, accelerated melting might increase river flows, leading to more frequent and intense flash floods, especially in the Himalayan states. This poses a significant risk to life, infrastructure, and downstream plains.

However, the long-term impact is far more menacing. As glaciers recede and disappear, the summer and dry-season flows in these rivers will drastically reduce. This will threaten the water supply for hundreds of millions who depend on these rivers for drinking water, agriculture, and sanitation. It will also cripple hydropower generation, which relies on consistent water flow. The entire hydrological cycle, including groundwater recharge, will be disrupted, leading to an unprecedented water crisis.

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Important Questions from GS1

  1. Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period. 

  2. Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. 

  3. How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of the balance of power?

  4. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?

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