Awantipora, March 20: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Glacial Studies, University of Kashmir, Kashmir chapters of the Indian Meteorological Society (IMS), and the Indian Society of Geomatics (ISG), organized a one-day seminar titled “Melting Himalayan Cryosphere and Its Implications” on the eve of the 1st World Day for Glaciers. This global event, coordinated by UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as part of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP 2025), aims to raise awareness about the accelerating retreat of glaciers worldwide and its cascading effects on water, energy and food security, and as well as the livelihoods.
The seminar, held at IUST, brought together leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, and academicians to discuss the critical state of the Himalayan cryosphere under changing climate conditions. The event featured keynote addresses by eminent experts, including Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, and Head, National Cryosphere Lab, KU, Prof. Anil V. Kulkarni, Distinguished Scientist at the Divecha Centre for Climate Change, IISc Bangalore and and Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, a noted Development Economist.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo emphasized the urgent need for scientific research, policy interventions, and community engagement to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on snow and glaciers. He highlighted that the Himalayan glaciers, a crucial source of freshwater for millions, are melting at an accelerated pace due to rising temperatures and black carbon deposition, posing significant threats to water security, agriculture, and disaster risks in the region.
Prof. Anil V. Kulkarni, in his address, elaborated on the scientific insights into climate change and its impacts on snow melting and stressed the importance of national and international collaborations to preserve and monitor the rapidly depleting cryosphere. He highlighted the vulnerabilities of mountain regions associated with climate change, particularly in high-altitude communities that depend on glacier-fed resources for agriculture, energy, water, and daily sustenance.
Mr. Arjimand Hussain Talib, in his keynote talk, provided a socio-economic perspective on glacier retreat and its far-reaching consequences on regional development, livelihoods, and food security. He further emphasized the need for inclusive climate policies, sustainable economic planning, and community-driven adaptation strategies to build resilience against the socio-economic challenges posed by glacial melt.
The discussion session at the seminar covered critical themes, including: the impact of glacier melt on water and food security, the role of black carbon and climate change in accelerating glacial retreat, strategies for sustainable water management in glacier-fed river basins, and a roadmap for glacier conservation and climate resilience in the Jammu and Kashmir Himalayas.
The event underscored the need for global action and regional cooperation to safeguard glaciers and ensure sustainable development in vulnerable high-altitude ecosystems. The seminar concluded with a strong call for integrating scientific research into policy frameworks and strengthening efforts to mitigate the effects of glacial retreat, community-based adaptation, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Tariq Abdullah, Head, Dept. of Geomatics and Planning, IUST and participants from government, academia and other segments of the society joined both in-person and virtually, reflecting the widespread interest in glacier preservation. The event marks a significant step in IUST’s ongoing commitment to climate action and sustainability, reinforcing its role as a leading research institution addressing pressing environmental challenges.
