Environmental Threats: Rising Glacial Lakes, Coastal Erosion, and River Pollution in India
Environmental threats in India are escalating at an alarming rate, with recent reports highlighting the growing risks posed by climate change and human activities. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that over 25 glacial lakes and water bodies in India, China, and Nepal have seen a rise in their water spread areas of more than 40% since 2009. This expansion threatens the safety of five Indian states and two Union territories. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh raising the risk of floods, landslides, and other natural disasters.
Alongside this, the report also underscores the worsening erosion of India’s coastline, with over a third of the coast affected between 1990 and 2018. West Bengal has suffered the most, with more than 60% of its shoreline eroding. This is largely driven by rising sea levels, increased cyclone activity, and human interventions like harbor construction, beach mining, and dam-building. The ongoing erosion not only endangers local communities but also threatens marine ecosystems and coastal economies.
The study also draws attention to the rising levels of pollution in India’s rivers. Alarmingly, three out of every four river-monitoring stations have recorded dangerously high levels of toxic metals, such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These contaminants are causing severe health risks to humans, animals, and plants and further jeopardizing India’s water resources.
These environmental threats rising glacial lakes, coastal erosion, and toxic river pollution are a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. To mitigate these risks and protect both people and ecosystems, India must adopt sustainable practices, strengthen environmental policies, and prioritize the health of its natural resources. The time for action is now.
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Source: Business Standard
