India merges glaciology units, raising climate risk concerns
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains·
Glaciology and disaster management: a GS3 and Science & Technology case study on climate vulnerability.
Why in news
India's 2020 merger of the Centre for Glaciology and SASE into a broader entity has sparked concerns over reduced research capacity to monitor Himalayan glacier retreat and GLOFs.
Background
India shut down the Centre for Glaciology in Dehradun and merged the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) in Manali in 2020. Scientists warn that this reduction in specialized research capacity may increase vulnerability to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and avalanches.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceCentre for Glaciology was located in Dehradun
- PlaceSnow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) was located in Manali
- FactThe merger of these units occurred in 2020
- S&TGLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods) are identified as high mountain hazards
Prelims practice question
In which city was the Centre for Glaciology located before its merger?
- (a)Gangtok
- (b)Leh
- (c)Shimla
- (d)Dehradun
Show answer
Answer: (d) Dehradun — The note states that the Centre for Glaciology was located in Dehradun.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the implications of reduced specialized glaciological research on India's disaster management framework in the face of accelerating Himalayan glacier retreat.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Data gap: Reduced specialized monitoring of glacial lake expansion and retreat rates
- Hazard vulnerability: Increased risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) affecting downstream populations
- Resource security: Threat to freshwater sources for millions dependent on Himalayan glacial melt
Keywords: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods · Glaciology · Climate Vulnerability · High Mountain Hazards · Research Capacity
More Science & Technology notes
- Stanford scientists transplanted human brain tissue into mice missing most of their cortex; within months, it grew to occupy more than 90% of the space · 20 September 2026
- Bengaluru firm ropes in Israel’s P-Cure to launch network of compact proton therapy centres in India · 19 September 2026
- Google's Gemini AI hacked three companies in security test · 19 September 2026
- HAL hands over two LCA trainer plane to Air Force · 19 September 2026
- Rajnath Singh Calls For Integrated Civil-Military Aerospace Ecosystem · 19 September 2026
- Here’s How an AI Slowdown Could Actually Be Enforced · 19 September 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.