Environmental Issues in Himachal Pradesh: Snowfall Pattern Shift
Environmental Issues in Himachal Pradesh: Snowfall Pattern Shift
Himachal Pradesh has not only witnessed a reducing snow cover over the years, but also a gradual shift in snowfall occurrence pattern from winter months towards early summer months, raising concern surrounding climate variability in the ecologically fragile Himalayas.
Key Points
- Gradual Shift in Snowfall Pattern:
- Shift in snowfall occurrence from winter months (December and January) to early summer months (April).
- Decreasing snow cover during peak winter months is concerning.
- Impact on Water Availability:
- Reduced snow cover in December and January affects summer water availability.
- Peak winter snow is crucial as it sustains for longer, enhancing summer river discharge.
- Study Findings by HIMCOSTE:
- Decrease of 12.72% in snow-covered area during 2023-24 compared to 2022-23.
- Study utilized Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) satellite data.
- Major river basins (Satluj, Ravi, Chenab, Beas) show overall decrease in snow cover.
- October-November 2023: Decrease in snow cover area, except for a marginal increase in the Ravi basin.
- Seasonal Trends:
- December-January 2023-24: Negative trend in snow cover area.
- February-March 2023-24: Positive trend with increased snow cover.
- April 2024: Increase in snow cover due to fresh snowfall in higher mountain areas.
Implications for UPSC Prelims
- Geographical Impact:
- Understand the geographical regions affected: Himalayas, major river basins (Satluj, Ravi, Chenab, Beas).
- Link with climatic changes and variability in the Himalayan region.
- Environmental Concerns:
- Impact on water resources and availability in summer.
- Effects on agriculture, hydropower generation, and local communities.
- Satellite Data and Technology:
- Role of AWiFS satellite data in environmental monitoring.
- Importance of technological tools in studying climate change.
Implications for UPSC Mains
- Climate Change and Its Effects:
- Discuss the broader implications of climate change on snowfall patterns.
- Analyze the impact on water security and river discharge dependability.
- Sustainable Practices:
- Propose measures to mitigate the adverse effects of reduced snow cover.
- Explore sustainable water management practices in Himalayan regions.
- Policy Recommendations:
- Suggest policies to address climate variability and its impacts on fragile ecosystems.
- Highlight the need for integrated climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Effective Notes for UPSC
- Introduction:
- Briefly introduce the issue of changing snowfall patterns in Himachal Pradesh.
- Body:
- Discuss the findings of the HIMCOSTE study.
- Explain the seasonal trends in snowfall and their implications.
- Analyze the impact on water availability and local ecosystems.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the importance of addressing climate change in the Himalayas.
- Suggest potential measures and policies for sustainable water management and climate adaptation.
Questions based on the Above Article:
Q. Which state is witnessing a gradual shift in snowfall patterns?
a) Uttarakhand
b) Himachal Pradesh
c) Sikkim
d) Jammu and Kashmir
Answer: b) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation: The article focuses on the snowfall pattern shift in Himachal Pradesh.
Q. What is the primary concern with the reduced snow cover during December and January?
a) Increased winter tourism
b) Decreased summer water availability
c) Improved agricultural output
d) Enhanced winter sports activities
Answer: b) Decreased summer water availability
Explanation: Reduced snow cover in peak winter months could affect water availability during summer.
Q. Which organization conducted the study on snowfall patterns in Himachal Pradesh?
a) Indian Meteorological Department
b) Himachal Pradesh Council for Science Technology-Environment (HIMCOSTE)
c) Central Pollution Control Board
d) National Green Tribunal
Answer: b) Himachal Pradesh Council for Science Technology-Environment (HIMCOSTE)
Explanation: The study was conducted by HIMCOSTE.
Q. By what percentage has the snow-covered area decreased during the 2023-24 winters compared to 2022-23?
a) 10%
b) 15%
c) 12.72%
d) 20%
Answer: c) 12.72%
Explanation: The study revealed a 12.72% decrease in snow-covered area.
Q. Which river basins in Himachal Pradesh were studied for snow cover?
a) Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna
b) Satluj, Ravi, Chenab, Beas
c) Narmada, Tapi, Mahanadi, Kaveri
d) Brahmaputra, Ganga, Indus, Yamuna
Answer: b) Satluj, Ravi, Chenab, Beas
Explanation: The study focused on the Satluj, Ravi, Chenab, and Beas river basins.
Q. What type of satellite data was used in the study?
a) GPS data
b) Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) satellite data
c) Weather satellite data
d) Communication satellite data
Answer: b) Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) satellite data
Explanation: The study used AWiFS satellite data.
Q. During which months did the early winter of 2023-24 show a decrease in snow cover area?
a) October-November
b) December-January
c) February-March
d) April-May
Answer: a) October-November
Explanation: The early winter months of October-November showed a decrease in snow cover area.
Q. Which basin showed a marginal increase in snow cover area in October 2023?
a) Satluj
b) Ravi
c) Chenab
d) Beas
Answer: b) Ravi
Explanation: The Ravi basin showed a marginal increase in snow cover area in October 2023.
Q. What trend was observed in snow cover during December-January 2023-24?
a) Positive trend
b) Negative trend
c) No change
d) Drastic increase
Answer: b) Negative trend
Explanation: The peak winter months of December-January showed a negative trend in snow cover.
Q. During which months of 2023-24 did the snow cover trend turn positive?
a) October-November
b) December-January
c) February-March
d) April-May
Answer: c) February-March
Explanation: The late winter months of February-March showed a positive trend in snow cover.
Q. Which month in 2024 saw an increase in snow cover due to fresh snowfall?
a) January
b) February
c) March
d) April
Answer: d) April
Explanation: April 2024 saw an increase in snow cover due to fresh snowfall.
Q. What is a significant ecological concern mentioned in the article?
a) Increase in average temperature
b) Climate variability in the Himalayas
c) Decrease in monsoon rainfall
d) Increase in deforestation
Answer: b) Climate variability in the Himalayas
Explanation: The article highlights concerns surrounding climate variability in the Himalayas.
Q. What is the likely consequence of reduced snow cover for the river basins in Himachal Pradesh?
a) Increased agricultural productivity
b) Enhanced hydropower generation
c) Reduced water discharge in summer
d) Better flood management
Answer: c) Reduced water discharge in summer
Explanation: Reduced snow cover leads to less water discharge in summer.
Q. Which of the following is NOT a river basin mentioned in the study?
a) Satluj
b) Ravi
c) Yamuna
d) Chenab
Answer: c) Yamuna
Explanation: The study focused on the Satluj, Ravi, Chenab, and Beas basins, not the Yamuna.
Q. What is the significance of snow occurring during peak winters?
a) It enhances summer tourism
b) It sustains longer and enhances summer river discharge
c) It reduces the risk of landslides
d) It increases the snow leopard population
Answer: b) It sustains longer and enhances summer river discharge
Explanation: Snow during peak winters sustains for a long time and enhances summer river discharge.
Q. What technology is mentioned in the study for environmental monitoring?
a) Drones
b) Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) satellite
c) Weather balloons
d) Seismic sensors
Answer: b) Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) satellite
Explanation: AWiFS satellite data was used for the study.
Q. Which river basin showed a positive snow cover trend in February-March 2023-24?
a) Satluj
b) Ravi
c) Chenab
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All basins showed an increase in snow cover during February-March 2023-24.
Q. What is one of the primary tools for studying climate change mentioned in the article?
a) Climate modeling software
b) Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) satellite data
c) Ground-based temperature sensors
d) Weather forecasting models
Answer: b) Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) satellite data
Explanation: AWiFS satellite data is a primary tool for studying climate change in the article.
Q. Which season showed a decrease in snow cover in early 2023-24?
a) Early winter (October-November)
b) Peak winter (December-January)
c) Late winter (February-March)
d) Early summer (April-May)
Answer: a) Early winter (October-November)
Explanation: The early winter months of October-November showed a decrease in snow cover.
Q. What effect does climate variability have on the Himalayas as mentioned in the article?
a) Increase in biodiversity
b) Reduction in glacial melt
c) Decrease in snow cover and shifting snowfall patterns
d) Improvement in air quality
Answer: c) Decrease in snow cover and shifting snowfall patterns
Explanation: Climate variability is causing a decrease in snow cover and shifting snowfall patterns.
Q. What basin showed a marginal increase in snow cover in October 2023?
a) Beas
b) Ravi
c) Chenab
d) Satluj
Answer: b) Ravi
Explanation: The Ravi basin showed a marginal increase in snow cover in October 2023.
Q. Which months showed a negative trend in snow cover area in 2023-24?
a) October-November
b) December-January
c) February-March
d) April-May
Answer: b) December-January
Explanation: December-January showed a negative trend in snow cover area.
Q. What factor is critical for sustaining river discharge during summer?
a) Early winter snow
b) Peak winter snow
c) Late winter snow
d) Early summer snow
Answer: b) Peak winter snow
Explanation: Peak winter snow is critical as it sustains longer and enhances river discharge during summer.
Q. Which ecological region is primarily discussed in the article?
a) Western Ghats
b) Eastern Himalayas
c) Western Himalayas
d) Central Highlands
Answer: c) Western Himalayas
Explanation: The article discusses the ecologically fragile Himalayas, specifically in Himachal Pradesh, which is part of the Western Himalayas.
Q. Why is fresh snowfall in April 2024 significant?
a) It decreases river discharge
b) It increases water availability in summer
c) It reduces tourism
d) It causes landslides
Answer: b) It increases water availability in summer
Explanation: Fresh snowfall in April 2024 is significant because it contributes to increased snow cover, thereby improving water availability during the summer.
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