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Abstract

The cryosphere of the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) is shrinking at an accelerating rate, which causes adverse consequences for meltwater supply and increasing risks due to recurring and potentially more frequent glacio-fluvial hazards. The subsequent effects on meltwater-dependent irrigation systems for crop cultivation and hazards including Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) require integrated analyses of water management and adaptation strategies of exposed mountain communities. Rapid and largely unplanned urbanisation processes, infrastructure development and related environmental degradation exacerbate risks for vulnerable mountain people already affected by climate change impacts. To meet these interrelated challenges, an improved understanding of socio-hydrological pathways is necessary. This needs to capture regional and local particularities, including glacio-fluvial runoff dynamics, socioeconomic processes, indigenous environmental knowledge, and external development interventions. Based on long-term and multi-sited field-based research, supported by multi-temporal analyses of remote sensing data, this contribution aims to inform stakeholders and decision-makers for shaping future sustainable development in the fragile Himalayan riskscapes of the UIB. To achieve this, the role of water harvesting infrastructures, including the implementation of ice reservoirs and socioeconomic drivers ranging from village institutions to non-governmental organizations and state-sponsored development programs.