NCHM Launches Study to Assess the Presence of Permafrost in Bhutan

The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) in Bhutan has launched its first-ever initiative to assess the presence of permafrost, with support from ICIMOD. This effort aims to better understand permafrost dynamics in the Bhutan Himalaya, where global warming poses significant risks.

Key highlights:
📌 Why it matters: We know little about the permafrost in Bhutan. Research is essential to identify its existence, assess its implications, and understand the potential impacts of thawing permafrost, such as greenhouse gas emissions, slope instability, and water resource disruption.
📌 Initial steps: 19 near-surface ground temperature loggers have been installed in the Thim Chu headwaters (above 4,500 meters) to monitor ground temperatures over the next two years.
📌 Potential impact: Thawing permafrost could affect water supplies and livelihoods for Bhutan’s highland communities and challenge Bhutan’s carbon-negative status.

This initiative marks an important step for Bhutan’s climate adaptation strategies, water resource management, and disaster risk reduction.

🌱 Let’s raise awareness about the role of permafrost in the Himalayan cryosphere and its significance in the face of climate change.