ITANAGAR, Oct 17: The second joint scientific expedition to Khangri Glacier in Tawang District was flagged off by the Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, in presence of the Secretary, Science and Technology, Ms. Sumedha, from Civil Secretariat, Itanagar on Thursday.
The expedition team consists of a group of scientists, research associates, and technical officers from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CES&HS), Itanagar, and research scholars from IIT Roorkee (IITR). This collaborative effort is part of an ongoing initiative to conduct in-depth glaciological and cryosphere studies in the Arunachal Himalayas. 
The research team will conduct several key scientific activities, including measuring glacier flow discharge, riverbed profiling, steam ice drilling and installation of water level markers and stacks for long-term observation. They will also engage in mass balance studies, which are crucial for understanding the gain and loss of ice mass from the glacier system. The team will also identify a suitable location to establish a permanent base camp as part of the Polar and Cryosphere Studies (PACER), which will serve as a logistical hub for future glaciological studies in the region, with a focus on the Khangri Glacier and other glaciers in Arunachal.
The event saw enthusiastic participation of several key team members including Dr. Sandeep Kumar Mondal, Dr. Anupam Gokhale, Dr. Karthik C.B., Er N Sunmukh Rao, Er Dipak, Er. Romik Tato, Er. Sange Tsering, Mr. Tapas Kumar Nahak, and Mr. Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi from the NCPOR, CES&HS, and IITR to address critical questions regarding glacier dynamics, hydrological changes and their broader impact on the region's ecosystem. 
During a brief interaction with Chief Secretary, the team briefed him about the field activities, which would include installation of Automatic Weather Station with satellite communication, Automatic Water Level Recorder, conducting hydrological investigations, installing stakes, and collecting snow and sediment samples for lab analysis. They would also perform steam ice drilling for mass balance measurement and gather other critical data during the fieldwork.
“The Arunachal Himalayas are ecologically sensitive and face significant challenges related to climate change, including glacial melting, changes in freshwater availability, and the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF),”  Director, Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies observed adding that the understanding of these dynamics are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of local ecosystems, economies, and communities dwelling in high altitudes.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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