Background & Context
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) released a synthesis report stating that India requires USD 102 billion annually to address climate risks in the HindKush Himalaya (HKH) region.
The "Water Tower" Crisis
- The HKH Region: Often called the "Third Pole," it provides freshwater to 2 billion people.
- The Financial Gap: Total HKH requirement is ~$768 billion/year. India and China alone account for 92% of this need.
- Risks: Glaciers in the HKH are melting 65% faster than in the previous decade. This leads to GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods), loss of biodiversity, and water insecurity for downstream states.
- Solution Strategy: ICIMOD suggests "Debt-for-Climate Swaps" and increased public spending specifically for mountain ecosystems.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
