On the occasion of World Water Day, experts highlighted the urgent need to conserve glaciers to safeguard mountain communities from the adverse effects of climate change. During an event organized by Smart Bas Solutions on Thursday, Dr. Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a senior advisor at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), warned that even a 1.5 to 2-degree Celsius rise in global temperature could result in a 25-30% loss of snow in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. If temperatures rise by 3-4 degrees Celsius, up to 75% of the region’s snow could be lost, severely impacting river systems and ecosystems.
Dr. Shrestha urged the implementation of policies to force developed and developing countries to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. He also suggested constructing reservoirs and adopting nature-based solutions to mitigate these impacts. Professor Dr. Bhola Ghimire from the Institute of Engineering stressed that climate change has disrupted Nepal’s rainfall patterns, leading to unpredictable floods and landslides.
Former Minister Ganesh Shah highlighted that the per capita availability of freshwater is declining globally, making water management crucial. He warned that water-related disputes could arise at the provincial and local levels in Nepal due to federalization. Dr. Kapil Gyawali from the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat noted that the temperature in the Himalayas is rising faster than in other regions, with an increase of 1.8 to 2.2 degrees Celsius. This could result in an 80% loss of Himalayan snow by the end of the century, necessitating carbon reduction strategies and climate-resilient development practices.
Tourism entrepreneur Ang Chhiring Sherpa recounted the destruction caused by a flood in Thame, Solukhumbu, in August, emphasizing that accelerated glacial melting increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, threatening infrastructure and communities. Similarly, Pema Wagchen Gurung from Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality noted that melting glaciers are turning snow-capped mountains into barren lands, making life in the highlands increasingly difficult. He stressed that the federal government and NGOs have overlooked the real hardships faced by mountain communities due to climate change.
In the event’s inaugural session, National Assembly Vice-Chairperson Bimala Ghimire stated that conserving glaciers is essential for sustaining Nepal’s river-dependent livelihoods. She mentioned that the Sagarmatha Dialogue is being planned to bring global attention to Nepal’s climate concerns. World leaders and government officials have been invited to participate, with an estimated 400 representatives expected to attend the dialogue.
