Kashmir Glaciers Retreating, Disrupting Ecosystems and Communities

The Kolahoi glacier in Kashmir is retreating, altering the ecological landscape and disrupting the communities that depend on it. Once a vital source of meltwater for agriculture, the glacier has shrunk by nearly a quarter in area since the mid-19th century, with its snout retreating about 900 meters since 1978.

As a result, agricultural land in the glacier's Lidder watershed has decreased by almost 40% from 1980 to 2018, severely impacting water availability for paddy fields, apple orchards, and saffron fields, according to The Guardian.

Local shepherds like Mohammad Siraj Khan have observed shrinking grasslands and shifting streams, stating that traditional irrigation practices have become increasingly difficult. The ecological consequences are profound: alpine flowers are blooming earlier, confusing pollinators, while wildlife such as musk deer and ibex are losing grazing grounds and venturing closer to human settlements due to habitat loss.

Dr. Talib Bashir Bhat from Sher-e-Kashmir University highlights that changes in glacier melt and snowline elevation are directly linked to biodiversity and livelihoods in the region. Rising temperatures and pollution are accelerating the glacier's melt, while deforestation and tourist infrastructure exacerbate the situation.

Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo notes that for every one degree Celsius rise, Kolahoi loses about 0.65 meters of ice thickness annually. Dr. Irfan Rashid from the University of Kashmir warns that if current trends continue, up to 70% of the glaciers in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh could be lost by the end of the century.

These changes threaten not only the water supply but also the delicate balance of ecosystems, pushing sensitive species like the Kashmir stag closer to extinction. The pattern of glacial retreat is evident across the Himalayas, with significant losses reported in other regions, such as Nepal's Yala glacier, which has lost over 66% of its volume and is projected to vanish by 2040.

The retreat of the Kolahoi glacier is not just a local issue but a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of water, wildlife, and human life amid the broader implications of climate change.