January 12 – GS3/Internal Security and Disaster Management: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q: “The Himalayan region is simultaneously India’s water tower and disaster epicenter.” Critically examine in light of glacier retreat and hydropower expansion. (250 words)

Introduction

The Himalayas, often called the "Third Pole," hold the largest ice reserves outside the Arctic and Antarctic. These mountains are crucial for feeding major rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, earning them the title of India's water tower. However, the region is also ecologically fragile, geologically young, and seismically active, making it prone to disasters.

Himalayas as India’s Water Tower:

• Glacial Melt and Rivers: The Himalayas provide a continuous supply of water through their river systems, which are essential for the food, water, and energy needs of over 600 million people in India.
• Hydropower Potential: The region has the potential to generate 115,550 MW of electricity, making it a key player in India’s renewable energy goals.
• Agricultural Dependence: Rivers originating from the Himalayas irrigate the Indo-Gangetic plains, one of the most fertile areas in the world.

Himalayas as Disaster Epicenter:

• Glacier Retreat: Human activities are causing a significant decline in glacier mass, increasing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
• Seismic Vulnerability: The Himalayas are located in Seismic Zones IV and V, making them susceptible to earthquakes and landslides. There has been a rising trend of disasters in these regions.
• Hydropower Risks: Hydropower projects in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are contributing to slope instability, deforestation, and flash floods, as evidenced by the Chamoli disaster in 2021.
• Unplanned Development and Infrastructure: Rapid and unplanned development in the Himalayan areas has led to an increase in the frequency and severity of disasters, such as the landslides in Josimath.

Balancing Development and Sustainability:

• Reducing Infrastructural Load: Implement a "hydropower-lite" approach by focusing on smaller, run-of-the-river projects to lessen the burden on fragile landforms.
• Enhancing Alert Mechanisms: Improve early warning systems for GLOFs and landslides to enhance disaster preparedness.
• Landform Mapping and Prediction: Conduct carrying capacity studies before initiating new infrastructure projects to ensure environmental sustainability.
• Enhancing Coordination: Foster regional cooperation through initiatives like the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to promote sustainable development practices.

Conclusion

The NITI Aayog’s report on Himalayan sustainability highlights the risks of unchecked exploitation, which could threaten both the ecosystem and local livelihoods. Future policies should view the Himalayas not just as a resource hub but as a delicate ecosystem that requires resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sensitive development approaches.