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Himalayan Mountains are not only water towers but much more than that: Dr. Pachauri
In a sustainable mountain development summit of Indian Mountain Initiative (IMI) at Nainital, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of IPCC said that we should not only consider Himalayan Mountains as water towers but they are much more than that in terms of biodiversity, culture, beautiful places, among others.
He stated that given the mistake IPCC’s had earlier about Himalayan glacial melting, at present the scientific facts indicate that Himalayan Glaciers are melting rapidly. He informed that as per ongoing IPCCs scientific group’s observations the precipitation pattern is changing across Himalayan region; as at lower latitudes rainfall is decreasing and at higher it’s increasing. Dr. Pachauri warned that if adaptive measures are not taken with utmost seriousness and urgency, the water resources, biodiversity, agriculture and forest in Himalayan region will be worst affected in next 20-30 years.
He emphasized upon the need of international and regional collaboration for climate change adaptation measures, as Himalayan region is facing situations like massive floods due to it fragile ecosystem and climatic changes. Among other issues, he stated that communities should be kept informed at large about various ongoing changes and scientific researches. Dr. Pachauri also emphasized upon down to earth work by agencies in the region on various scientific fronts including developing models, building capacities of people and coming up with practical solutions.
He also highlighted that enough research should be put together in the region. Dr. Pachauri informed that his organization-TERI is committed to Himalayan region which is now entering in to Climate Modeling while planning to closely work with various governments in Himalayan region. TERI is also doing glacial studies in two Indian Himalayan states of Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim.
He also mentioned about Government of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change-NAPCC, which has Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem among eight national missions. Dr. Pachauri informed that, the sub-mission has components of establishing centre for glaciers, capacity building, establishment of 10 centres and identifying 100 experts in Indian Himalayan region and regional cooperation. He emphasized that under Himalayan Mission there is a need of proper networking and connecting issues, treating it as national programme, judicious and efficient use of funds and more actions in ground.
Dr. Pachauri also informed that the ongoing report of IPCC will be ready by this year end.
Source:- chimalaya.org