The ministry's report also gives details of the observed changes in climate and weather like rainfall, drought and temperatures, and claimed the rainfall will increase by the end of the 21st century by 15-40 per cent while the mean annual temperature would rise by 3-6 degree Celsius.
Admitting evidences that the Himalayan glaciers were receding at a rapid pace, the Ministry says it is unclear as to how much of this recession is attributable to climate change as glaciers retreat is also due to natural long-term glacial-inter-glacial cycles.
Some researchers have claimed that the glaciers have receded by 21 per cent during the last 40 years. Though there have been several fragmented efforts by many national institutions and universities during the last 50 years, the Indian glaciers are among the least investigated in the world.
The latest concerns may lead the government to institute proper research into the mechanics of the Himalayan glaciers as they are the perennial source of water for the northern and eastern India.
Photograph: Raveendran/AFP/Getty Images
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