Ladakh glacier losing ice rapidly: ‘Milestone study' led by IIT scientist
Spanning around 70 sq km, Drang Drung is the largest glacier in the Zanskar range. The study, hailed as a milestone in Himalayan climate science, was led by Mohd Farooq Azam of IIT Indore. Initial findings from the two-year investigation were recently published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Glaciology by Cambridge University Press.
Despite its relatively clean surface, the glacier is steadily retreating, leading to the formation of a growing proglacial lake at its terminus.
"This proglacial lake looks safe as of now, but its volume is increasing due to glacier recession, so we are keenly observing it," said Azam, who is also affiliated with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The glacier is a crucial water source for the Doda and Zanskar rivers, sustaining nearly 5,000 people in downstream communities.
Azam stressed the urgent need for long-term monitoring, expanded field infrastructure, and satellite-based support to better understand the impacts of climate-driven glacier melt on water resources in this ecologically fragile, cold-arid region.
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Speaking about their research, Azam said, "Monitoring a large glacier like Drang Drung is logistically demanding due to its vast, rugged terrain and harsh weather. Reaching the accumulation zones, often above 5,000m, is extremely difficult." The study helps address a critical gap in Himalayan cryosphere research and represents a key step toward improving disaster preparedness and sustainable water management in Ladakh and beyond.
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