The freshwater ecosystem discourse in India is largely focused on rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, aquifers, and streams. They have been a part of various conservation and restoration initiatives. However, these discourses and initiatives have turned a blind-eye to another crucial freshwater ecosystem, the Cryosphere, which lies in the Hindu Kush Himalayas and is the origin of three major river systems in North India - Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.
This photo story aims to introduce the various components and dynamics within the Cryosphere, its functions, and ecosystem services with a focus on the Ganga River. The story also aims to highlight the heightened vulnerability of this ecosystem due to global warming, urges for its inclusion to the freshwater ecosystem discourse, and consequent inclusion in conservation and restoration initiatives.
This photo-story has emerged from the study titled ‘The Heads and Tails of Ganga’ - The Cryosphere and the Delta conducted by Prof. Vijay Paranjpye, Radhika Mulay, and Chaitrali Kulkarni funded by INTACH, Delhi. The book was launched at the India Rivers Week on 25th November, 2023.
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