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India is witnessing the melting of Himalayan glaciers

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As temperatures increase and climate change wreaks havoc throughout the planet, the bulk of glaciers in the Himalayan area is melting. According to the Centre’s research, the phenomenon is occurring across nine major glaciers in the country, each of which is melting at a different rate.

Accelerated heterogeneous mass loss in Himalayan glaciers has been observed in studies led by the Geological Survey of India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, National Institute of Hydrology, Space Application Centre, and Indian Institute of Science.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh stated: “In the Himalayan area, GSI has performed research on glacier melting using mass balance assessments on nine glaciers, as well as monitoring the recession/advance of 76 glaciers. The bulk of Himalayan glaciers is melting/retreating at various rates in different parts of the mountain range.”

INDIA’S MELTING GLACIERS

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Hindu Kush Himalayan glaciers recede at a pace of 14.9-15.1 metres each year, compared to 12.7-13.2 metres in the Indus, 15.5-14.4 metres in the Ganga, and 20.2-19.7 metres in the Brahmaputra river basins.

However, mass balance analyses were undertaken by the University of Kashmir, Sikkim University, IISc, and WIHG for various Himalayan glaciers confirming a similar scenario, with the bulk of Himalayan glaciers melting or receding at varied rates. The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, which has been monitoring a few glaciers in Uttarakhand since 1995, discovered that the Dokriani Glacier in the Bhagirathi basin has been retreating at 15-20 metres per year since 1995, and the Chorabari Glacier in the Mandakini basin has been retreating at 9-11 metres per year between 2003 and 2017.

Similar phenomena are taking place in the Satluj River watershed. IISc Bangalore’s Divecha Centre for Climate Change researched the glacier and discovered that glacial melt contribution will grow until the middle of the century, after which it will diminish. “Numerous tiny glaciers in the Satluj basin’s low altitude region imply a considerable loss in the area until the middle of the century,” the ministry stated, “causing a water scarcity during the dry summer season.”

How Is It An ISSUE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT?

The melting of Himalayan glaciers is a major source of concern since it will have a significant impact on the water supply for rivers that rely on these glaciers. Because of variations in flow, flash floods, and sedimentation, ongoing melting will cause changes in glacier basin hydrology, downstream water budget, and influence hydropower plants.

“The increased danger of glacier hazards as a result of increased number and volume of glacier lakes, faster flash floods, and glacial lake outburst floods, as well as influencing agro practises in the high Himalayan region,” the ministry stated in a statement.

Furthermore, the minister told that while glacier melting is an uncontrollable natural process, it does raise the likelihood of glacial hazards. Various Indian institutes, organisations, and universities, according to the Centre, are monitoring the Himalayan glaciers on a vast scale using remote sensing data to estimate the tragedies caused by melting.

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Online Gaming Addiction Leaves Navi Mumbai Man Claiming Rs 2.5 Crore Loss

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Jayesh Pawar alleges massive financial losses and urges authorities to act against gaming platforms.

The Addiction

The growing popularity of online gaming for quick money is raising concerns in Navi Mumbai, with one resident claiming that he lost around Rs 2.5 crore after becoming trapped in the cycle of online gaming.

Navi Mumbai resident Jayesh Pawar has approached the authorities seeking action, alleging that he suffered huge financial losses through online gaming platforms. He also claimed that he lost around Rs 35 lakh at one stage while trying to recover earlier losses.

According to Pawar, the problem often begins with small bets. Initial wins can create confidence, encouraging players to invest larger amounts. Once losses begin, players may put in even more money in the hope of recovering what they have already lost.

Pawar claimed that he is not the only person facing such difficulties. He said several young people have reportedly lost lakhs and even crores through online gaming. Some, he alleged, borrowed money or sold property to continue playing.

The issue has also raised concerns about the wider impact of gaming addiction, including financial stress and problems within families. Pawar has urged the authorities to investigate such platforms and take appropriate action. His case has highlighted the need for greater awareness about the risks of chasing quick profits through online gaming.

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NMMC Conducts 60 Camps to Raise Awareness on Malaria and Dengue

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Health teams educate thousands of devotees on preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

The Awareness

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) organised 60 awareness camps across the city during the month of Shravan to educate citizens about malaria and dengue prevention.

The camps were held at various Shiva temples on Mondays, where health officials interacted with devotees and explained how mosquito-borne diseases spread. Around 20,440 people visited the camps and received information on preventing mosquito breeding around their homes and neighbourhoods.

Officials also displayed mosquito larvae and explained how stagnant water can quickly become a breeding ground. Residents were advised to regularly empty and clean water containers, keep tanks and drums covered and ensure that water does not collect on rooftops, plastic sheets, old tyres or scrap materials. Health officials also urged citizens not to ignore fever and to seek medical advice promptly if symptoms develop.

NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde has been reviewing the civic body’s efforts to control malaria and dengue. Special attention is being given to construction sites, where builders have been asked to maintain cleanliness, update labour records and carry out regular pest-control measures.

The civic body has appealed to residents to take simple precautions and keep their surroundings clean. Officials said that preventing stagnant water and mosquito breeding is a shared responsibility and that public cooperation is essential to keeping Navi Mumbai healthy and safe.

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MLA Manda Mhatre Calls for Stronger Steps to Make Navi Mumbai Safer

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MLA urges police to crack down on drugs, improve women’s safety and tackle traffic issues.

The Preventive Measure

Navi Mumbai MLA Manda Mhatre has urged the police to take stronger measures to make the city safer and free from drugs. She raised several public safety concerns during a meeting with Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe on September 7.

Mhatre stressed the need for greater surveillance around schools and colleges to protect youngsters from drug abuse. She also called for strict action against drug dealers and their supply networks and suggested setting up special flying squads to tackle drug trafficking.

The MLA also highlighted the pressure faced by police personnel. She requested counselling and regular health check-ups for officers and staff, particularly following recent cases of police suicides.

With several major festivals approaching, MLA Mhatre asked the police to ensure that rules on DJs and loudspeakers are followed. She said excessive noise can cause difficulties for senior citizens, patients and children. Women and senior citizens were another key concern. Mhatre sought increased police patrolling at railway and bus stations, educational institutions and other sensitive locations.

Traffic congestion and illegal parking were also discussed. She urged better coordination between the police and civic authorities to address encroachments and improve traffic movement across Navi Mumbai. The meeting focused on making the city safer, better managed and more comfortable for residents.

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