Climate Change-Induced Impact on Water Resource of Ladakh Cold Arid Region.

Abstract

This paper is about the impact of climate change on water resources, mainly focusing upon the consequences of climate change on Ladakh people based on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Inadequacy of water resources, irregular rainfall pattern and coping up under such scared water consequences are the major problems in the study area. The main sources of water are glaciers, hand pump, stream and springs. Survey revealed that almost 50% people responded on the impact of climate change; 30% responded due to increase in population and consequently increased demand of water and remaining 20% responded for no impact. Majority of them conveyed the Chem-Sak is water scared. As 60% Chem-sak people mentioned that quality and quantity of water are differed in last 25 years. People has observed the climatic hazards like cloudburst and flood, and facing frequently. Finally, it was observed that the people started the adjusting with the changing climate and need with available water resources over the last 25 years, confirming the declining of water resources and their potential in fulfilling the demand of the Ladakhi people as the risks are changing as a result of rapid climatic and socio-economic changes due to groundwater vulnerability. On the other hand, climate change in Ladakh has triggered the immediate melt water runoff and water supply is decreasing drastically.