Incidentally, studies of fourteen prominent glaciers in the state have found that even though they are retreating presumably due to global warming, their water does not necessarily feed rivers which in the case of Almora, have seen water levels go down. According to experts, water from some glaciers may be collecting under the surface and can be potentially rich sources of water in the future. But for the time being, this is a potentially worrying scenario for agriculturists.

Vijay Jardhari, founder of the Beej BachaoAndolan, a movement to preserve seeds of fast-disappearing grains and fruits, said that “most agriculture in Uttarakhand is rain-fed. So any climate change variations that impact rainfall are disturbing since these factors affect soil fertility, and hence the yield.” “Uttarakhand has also not taken any pro-active steps that would safeguard against climate change patterns. The state has 87 per cent rain-fed agri land but not even one per cent has been converted into irrigated land. The state government needs to immediately craft a comprehensive agri policy which can take into account all these factors and help boost the productivity of the land.”