Sabyasachi.. Interesting articles indeed.

Couple of observations from my side.. Most Himalayan Glaciers ARE retreating.. No doubt about this..I could see in Gangothri Glacier, when I trekked all the way to Gomukh & Tapovan, this year. The locals [especially elderly ones] clearly say that the Bhagirathi snout has retreated at least 2-3 kms in their lifetime.. Gangothri Glacier, which is reasonably big [apparently we still have 30 kms left from the snout, as we see today] has been retreating at a much faster pace. The glacier retreat has been averaging at least 30 meters per year. Gangothri Glacier is also a significant source of water to the River Ganga. The other area of concern has been the formation of Glacier lakes. Any burst of these lakes is going to cause helluva havoc.

Now what causes these glaciers to retreat ? I have been hearing & reading too many arguements. Global warming, Green house effect, natural Ice melt etc etc.. YES..Climate change globally has caused variations in temparature & snow fall & Himalayan Glaciers have not been spared in this at all. Most of these glaciers have been declining at a rapid pace in Mass..

This certain calls for more ACTION before it is too late..! Lets see what the Copenhagen Summit comes out with.. I personally feel, India should NOT compromise & be firm in HER stand..