Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services (JKPSC)

• 28 Mar 2025

Permafrost Melting

Why in News? 

Permafrost melt is posing a unique environmental threat in the Kashmir Himalaya. A new study reveals that thawing permafrost could impact 193 km of roads, 2,415 households, 903 alpine lakes, and eight hydropower projects in the region. 

 Key Points 

• Permafrost and Its Impact in the Indian Himalaya: 
  • Permafrost refers to any ground material, including soil, sediment, and rock, that remains frozen continuously for at least two years. 
    • Most permafrost on Earth has existed for several millennia. 
  • Its Consequences: 
    • Global warming is causing permafrost to thaw, leading to significant environmental consequences. 
    • Permafrost stores large amounts of organic carbon, which is released as methane upon thawing, a potent greenhouse gas. 
• Study on Permafrost in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: 
  • A study published in Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment by researchers from the University of Kashmir and IIT-Bombay analyzed permafrost in the region. 
  • Permafrost covers 64.8% of the total area of J&K and Ladakh: 
    • 26.7% is continuous permafrost (most of the soil remains frozen). 
    • 23.8% is discontinuous permafrost (more than half of the soil is frozen). 
    • 14.3% is sporadic permafrost (patches of frozen soil). 
  • Methodology of the Study: 
    • Researchers analyzed weekly satellite temperature data from 2002 to 2023 using NASA's MODIS sensor. 
    • The data helped identify areas with consistent freezing temperatures and those with intermittent or no freezing. 
• Factors Driving Permafrost Degradation: 
  • Natural Factors: 
    • Rising surface temperatures due to climate change. 
    • Earthquakes that disrupt permafrost layers. 
  • Human Activities: 
    • Deforestation and land-use changes reduce vegetation cover, exposing permafrost to solar radiation. 
    • Infrastructure development (dams, roads, real estate projects) accelerates permafrost thawing. 
    • Tourism-related activities increase pressure on permafrost stability. 
• Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and Permafrost: 
  • Permafrost thawing increases risks for thousands of glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayas. 
  • The study identified 332 proglacial lakes in J&K, of which 65 pose significant GLOF risks. 
  • The Chamoli disaster (2021) in Uttarakhand and South Lhonak Lake flood (2023) in Sikkim highlight the dangers of permafrost-related glacial lake collapses. 
• Impact on Water Resources and Infrastructure: 
  • Permafrost degradation affects groundwater reserves and river flow, especially in permafrost-fed regions. 
  • No comprehensive studies exist to quantify these effects in India. 
  • Military infrastructure in Ladakh is at risk due to permafrost thawing, affecting national security. 
  • Strategic roads passing through permafrost zones could degrade, impacting connectivity. 
• Mitigation and Future Planning: 
  • New infrastructure projects should consider permafrost presence to ensure sustainable development. 
  • Environmental impact assessments for projects like hydroelectric plants must account for permafrost risks. 
  • Experts recommend deploying in-situ data loggers to monitor temperature fluctuations and improve permafrost research accuracy. 

 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) 

• It is a type of catastrophic flood that occurs when the dam containing a glacial lake fails, releasing a large volume of water. 
• This type of flood is typically caused by rapid melting of glaciers or the buildup of water in the lake due to heavy precipitation or the inflow of meltwater. 
• In February 2021, Chamoli district in Uttarakhand witnessed flash floods which are suspected to have been caused by GLOFs. 
• Causes: 
  • These floods can be triggered by a number of factors, including changes in the volume of the glacier, changes in the water level of the lake, and earthquakes. 
  • According to NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), glacial retreat due to climate change occurring in most parts of the Hindu Kush Himalayas has given rise to the formation of numerous new glacial lakes, which are the major cause of GLOFs. 

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir officially opened the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, where blooming tulips created a beautiful setting for tourists in Srinagar. 

 

Key Points 

• Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: 
  • About: 
    • Originally known as the Model Floriculture Center, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. 
    • It is the largest tulip garden in Asia, covering approximately 30 hectares. 
    • The garden is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, overlooking Dal Lake. 
  • Establishment and Layout: 
    • Established in 2007, the garden was developed to promote floriculture and tourism in the Kashmir Valley. 
    • Designed in a terraced layout, it consists of seven terraces built on sloping ground. 
  • Floral Diversity: 
    • The garden houses 48 varieties of tulips, offering a vibrant display of colors. 
    • It also features other flowers, including daffodils, hyacinths, roses, narcissus, and various ornamental plants. 
  • Tulip Festival: 
    • The Tulip Festival is an annual celebration organized by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. 
    • The festival aims to showcase the floral diversity of the garden and attract tourists. 
    • It takes place at the onset of spring, marking the beginning of the tourism season in the Kashmir Valley. 

 Dal Lake 

 

• It is a lake in Srinagar, the capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).  
• It is one of the world's largest natural lakes and the second largest lake in J&K.  
• It is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.  
• It is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.  
• It covers an area of 18 square kilometres and is part of a natural wetland including its floating gardens.  
  • The floating gardens, known as “Raad” in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August.