The study by Kashmir University's geology and geophysics department blamed the effect on climate change, and said it endangered the livelihoods of two-thirds of the region's nearly 10 million people engaged in agriculture, horticulture, livestock rearing and forestry.
The Kolahoi glacier, the biggest inKashmir, has shrunk to about 11.5 square kilometers from about 13 square kilometers in the past 40 years.
Shakil Romshoo, an associate professor in the department who led to three-year study, described the rate of melting as "alarming." He said Tuesday that Kolahoi had shrunk by 18 percent, and over the same period, other glaciers in the region had shrunk by 16 percent.
The Kolahoi feeds Kashmir's lifeline Jhelum River, the study was released Monday at a workshop on the impact of shrinking glaciers held in Srinagar.Last year, international charity ActionAid also warned that the glaciers in most areas of Kashmir have shrunk.Prof. Syeed Iqbal Hasnain, head glaciologist at New Delhi-based the Energy and Resources Institute, said the findings show again that "warming of the climate system was unequivocal."
Rajeev Upadhay, an Indian geologist who has studied glaciers since 1995, said the new study was in line with previous ones.
"The study confirms the general trend that about 90 percent of all Himalayan glaciers are receding. Some glaciers are receding at an alarming rate of 44-45 meters (yards) per year," said Upadhay, who was not involved in the Kashmir University study.
Also the Siachen Glacier, worlds highest battlefield where India and Pakistan have pitched their armies has reduced has its size.
"The unusual climate change clubbed with other activities at the Siachen Glacier has reduced it to 74 kilometers from 150 kilometers in length," he said.
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