The rapid loss of glaciers and shrinking ice cover in the Sutlej basin could threaten Himachal Pradesh's hydropower sector, a major source of revenue for the state, according to a detailed climate study.
The study, titled "Comprehensive Study on Impact of Climate Change on Water Flow Pattern Affecting the Generation of Hydropower Projects", was conducted by the State Centre on Climate Change (SCCC) under the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE). It was prepared for Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL).
Researchers studied seasonal snow cover images, glacier records, river flow and temperature data from 2010 to 2020. The findings showed a steady fall in glacier and ice-cap coverage across the Spiti, Baspa, Upper Satluj and Lower Satluj sub-basins. Scientists linked the faster melting and retreat of glaciers to increasing temperatures and changing snowfall patterns.
The study found that climate change is affecting the entire Sutlej basin, with no sub-basin left untouched. The Baspa basin has seen a continued retreat of glaciers even though the number of glaciers there has remained relatively stable.
The report warned that climate change could affect hydropower generation, water availability and the state's ability to deal with natural disasters. It called for better monitoring of glaciers and snow, improved systems to predict river flows and stronger climate adaptation measures to protect future power generation.
The Himalayan region is highly vulnerable to water stress caused by climate change. Many of its rivers depend on melting snow and glaciers. These rivers provide drinking water and support farming, local communities and hydropower projects. Since several power projects in Himachal Pradesh depend on glacier-fed rivers, changes in glacier patterns could directly affect electricity production.
The study found that glacier cover in the Sutlej basin declined from 1,481.75 sq km in 2000 to 1,384.16 sq km in 2020. Over 80 per cent of the glaciers are retreating by less than 10 metres each year, especially in the Upper Sutlej and Spiti regions.
The changes could make river flows less predictable and increase the amount of sediment carried by rivers. This could damage turbines faster and reduce electricity generation during periods of low water flow. While years with heavy snowfall may temporarily slow the loss of glaciers, some, including the Naradu glacier, continue to show steady thinning.
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