As per a study conducted by State Council for science technology and environment and Ahmedabad-based Space Application Centre, over 449 sq km of glacier area in Himachal has disappeared between 1962 and 2001.

Glacier retreat was estimated in Chenab, Parbati and Baspa basins.

The overall reduction in glacier area was 21 per cent and it shrunk from 2,077 sq mt in 1962 to 1,628 sq mt in 2001, said the report which was presented in a workshop on 'Snow and Glaciers and the Himalayan River System' organised by 'State Centre on Climate Change' here today.

Geological Survey of India has estimated retreat in three glaciers in Satluj basin, six in Chenab, five in Beas and two in Ravi basin.

Another alarming evidence of climate change was found in Baspa river where melting and retreat of snow cover have been observed even in the months of December and January, the report said.

HP chief secretary S Roy, who inaugurated the two-day workshop, said the Himalayan region is highly vulnerable to climate change and millions of people downstream in the South- Asian region would be directly affected even if small change in climate occur here.