Urgent: How Climate Change Endangers India’s Rivers and Their Hidden Biodiversity

The rising waters of the Ganga river have led to widespread flooding in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. Heavy monsoon rains have caused the river to overflow, breaching its banks and submerging homes, roads, and farmland.

Recent data from the Central Water Commission shows alarming water levels at key locations like Bhagalpur in Bihar and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, reaching critical danger marks. In Bihar alone, over 1.7 million people across ten districts face the repercussions, with entire villages under water. In Uttar Pradesh, 17 districts are affected, with more than 84,000 residents displaced and thousands of homes damaged.

Rescue operations and relief camps are active as communities respond to this crisis. The situation is even direr in northern India’s mountains, where glacial lake outburst floods are damaging villages and cutting off essential roads. The Indian Meteorological Department has also warned of potential flash floods and landslides in regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

The Impact of Climate Change

Experts say climate change is exacerbating these flooding situations. A report from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development indicates that rivers in eastern India will see increased water flow, eventually leading to water scarcity. Rising temperatures contribute to higher evaporation rates and more intense rainfall events, like cloudbursts, which can result in sudden and severe flooding.

Research from Scientific Reports shows that for every one-degree increase in temperature, dissolved oxygen in rivers decreases by 2.3%. This decline can significantly harm aquatic life, as fish and other creatures depend on oxygen-rich water to thrive.

Biodiversity at Risk

As water temperatures rise, the ecosystems within these rivers face serious threats. A study on key Indian rivers like the Ganga and Narmada projects a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels by 2 to 12% by 2100. The recent floods in Uttarakhand highlight the urgent need to address these issues, as entire communities are displaced, and local economies are disrupted.

Additionally, land use practices and increased pollution are compounding the problems. Poor land management accelerates runoff and exacerbates water shortages, while pollution raises temperatures and stresses aquatic systems further.

Moving Towards Solutions

These challenges call for urgent solutions. Sustainable land practices, eco-friendly agriculture, and effective water management can ease the adverse impacts of climate change. Communities and governments alike must prioritize environmental health to protect biodiversity, ensure livelihoods, and safeguard water resources.

For more detailed insights, you can read about the impact of climate change on river systems in India at ICIMOD.

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