Socio-hydrological pathways: Cryosphere changes and adaptation strategies in the Trans-Himalaya of Ladakh, India

Abstract

The Himalayan cryosphere is shrinking at an accelerating rate. This alarming trend is accompanied by more frequent natural hazards that threaten exposed mountain communities. Problems range from damages of irrigation canals and eroded fields to massive destruction of human habitat. Predicted changes in meltwater supply, modelled under the generic term ‘peak water’, require greater and concerted effort to understand and support local adaptation strategies to cope with experienced and predicted water scarcity. Regional development processes are further characterised by rapid and largely unplanned urbanisation, infrastructure development and related environmental degradation exacerbating risks for large numbers of people already affected by climate change. To meet these grand challenges, an interdisciplinary research perspective is needed for the Himalayan region based on the integration of natural and social sciences. Therefore, an improved understanding of socio-hydrological pathways is necessary to capture local and regional particularities and dynamics, including cryosphere changes, glacio-fluvial runoff, socioeconomic processes, indigenous environmental knowledge, and external development interventions. Based on a long-term study conducted in the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, we explore the role of land use changes, water harvesting infrastructures, including implementation of ice reservoirs (so-called “artificial glaciers”) and construction of improved irrigation networks. Furthermore, the role of social institutions ranging from village to non-governmental organizations and state-sponsored development programs are considered. The presentation uses the case study of Ladakh to develop a grounded socio-hydrological framework for the fragile Trans-Himalayan region that may be used as a basis for sustainable development pathways.