ANNOUNCEMENTS
This study is a result of the increasing number of disaster events occurring in the mountainous regions of the state of Uttarakhand, particularly the eastern districts. The study area has been subject to changing climate and a closer look has been taken to analyse the high-altitude glaciers and the vulnerability of the district they are located in. The glaciers studied here belong to the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR). A topographic map for the Nanda devi glaciers has been constructed and the variation in elevation has been observed, thereby classifying the glaciers as mountain glaciers. The Uttari Nanda Devi (UND) glacier studied over the period of 40 years from 1980 to 2020, is found to be receding after studying snout position on a bi-decadal basis and the glacial recession rate has increased from 12 to 21 meter per annum. The variation in temperature, rainfall & snow amount on a bi-decadal basis for the 40-year period has been plotted. Temperature has been found to be increasing especially at lower latitude & longitude, and an increase in the intensity of precipitation has been observed thereby highlighting the effects of human-induced climate change. The large-scale snow amount has been found to have decreased over the years. HRVCA has been done for the district where the glaciers are located. Total eight hazards are identified and matched with the vulnerabilities they lead to. The risk is studied by assessing the material used for construction of walls & roofs in the houses and the level of risk it leads to in case of an earthquake or high wind speed. The capacity is studied by plotting the availability of human & physical resources to combat the effects of a disaster. A comparative study has been conducted between Chamoli & Dehradun district and the improvements needed in former been highlighted.
Keywords: Glaciers, Climate Change, Disaster Management, Himalayas.
