Climate change adaptation in Himachal Pradesh - Sustainable strategies for water resources - A report by the ADB

It includes the present and planned water utilisation across sectors and uses, within a framework of environment, conservation and sustainability. It also examined the present institutional arrangements for water resources management and assessed the requirements for institutional development, improvement in data collection and analysis, catchment and agriculture planning, and other reforms required to ensure sustainable water resources management.

At a broader level, the study aimed at developing a climate change adaptation-focused sustainable water resources strategy and appropriate institutional framework for Himachal Pradesh. The strategy aimed at identifying and presenting a broad framework for integrated water resources planning and management to increase the level of resilience to climate change.

Although the understanding of the impact of climate change continues to improve, it is as yet difficult to project and identify the specific regional impacts with any precision. This uncertainty remains a key constraint and major challenge, both, in formulating and implementing policies related to adaptation. Climate change represents a loss of information; the value of historical data in guiding water resources decision-making is degraded and future conditions are subject to a high level of uncertainty.

With the very high variations of topography and rainfall, prediction of future climate trends will be especially difficult for Himachal Pradesh. It is evident that farmers are already feeling impacts of climate change. Observed parameters include movement of apple orchards to higher altitudes, loss of various tree species, drying of traditional water sources, changes in bird types and populations, reduction in crop yields, and increased vulnerability of winter cropping due to changes in rainfall patterns and planting dates.

The mountain ecosystems harbour a wide range of natural resources and are particularly sensitive to change. Regional changes in climate have already affected many of the physical and biological systems in the mountains. Analysis of temperature trends in the Himalayas and vicinities shows that temperature increases are greater in the uplands than the lowlands. Climate change impacts on water resources will likely include; (i) increased frequency of heavy precipitation; (ii) increase in extreme rainfall intensity; (iii) increased variability in rainfall patterns; (iv) increased likelihood of water shortages/drought (v) reduced levels of precipitation as snow; (vi) loss of glacier volumes; (vii) earlier snow melt; and (viii) increased temperature.

A seven point strategic framework for water resources adaptation has been developed. It sets out the approach and strategies required for achieving long term sustainable water resources management and adaptation to climate change. It is proposed to apply IWRM as a management tool since it would open up important opportunities to position water, as a resource at the centre of the policy making arena an important facility to initiate proactive actions to increase the resilience of water resource systems to climate change.

The strategies and proposed projects include:

1. Effective Institutions and IWRM

• Establishment of effective institutions for IWRM
• Finance and resource strategies to meet the needs of climate change
• Strengthen Interstate Water Management
• Strengthen the linkages between State and National agencies
• Capacity Building for awareness. understanding and, management of water resources and climate change

2. Water resources Data and Information Systems

• Establish a Water Resource Data and Information Centre
• Development of tools, methods and capacities to analyse climate information
• Strategies for effective research to meet needs of climate adaptation

3. Catchment and Agricultural Planning

• Framework plans for four selected sub catchments
• Detailed studies and designs for follow up investments

4. Integrated Water Resource Planning

• Preparation of IRWM Plan for Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab
• Ensuring environmentally sustainable water resources management
• Detailed studies and designs for follow up investments

5. Disaster Preparedness

• Preparation of Disaster Preparedness and Management Plans to meet needs of climate change

6. Rural Employment and Diversification

• Strategies for rural employment and diversification

7. Projects and Investments

• Integrated soil and water conservation
• New initiatives in precision agriculture
• Upgrading performance of irrigation schemes
• Upgrading levels of service delivery and sustainability of potable water
• Integrated hydroelectric projects to improve performance and reduce social and environmental impacts
• Other investment projects to be defined

A copy of the report can be accessed from this link