As glaciers in India melt, regional IMD Director expresses concern over steep rise in temperatures. A steep rise in temperature in Ladakh, notably, a maximum temperature of 30.5 degrees Celsius was recorded in Leh on July 30.

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1. The Ladakh IMD Director noted that while high temperatures are typical during Ladakh’s hottest months of July-August, he added that a steep rise in temperature, particularly in Ladakh, is indeed a matter of concern as glaciers are the region’s key water source, and their rapid melting due to intense heat poses a significant threat to the region’s water supply.

   “Ladakh is a cold desert area but it doesn’t mean that it is always cold here. It is cold here during winters in December-January when temperatures drop to even -20 or -25 degrees Celsius in Leh. It is not new to experience summers here in July-August. It happens every year. July-August is the hottest month of the year for Ladakh. Kargil experiences 2-3 degrees more than Leh,” IMD Ladakh Director told ANI.
   “This time, Leh recorded a highest temperature of 33.5 degrees Celsius. At the same time, on 28th July, Kargil recorded the highest temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are not new. It is always hot in July-August, especially from the second week of July to mid-August, around 45 days.”
   “Steep rise in temperature, that too in Ladakh, is indeed a matter of concern. Glaciers are our natural resources and are very valuable. We get water from that glacier, so if the temperatures rise like this – when Ladakh’s 30 degrees is like 40 degrees in the plains – the intense heat will melt the ice bodies faster,” he added

2. The battle over water rights in the Pakistan- India region has the potential to be the spark plug for the next World War. Two very crowded nuclear capable countries who really dislike each other fighting over water rights? The Ladakh area is the source of the Indus River and if that goes dry (or even shrinks) all hell will break loose