The Himalayan Ranges, Glaciers, Lakes and Rivers: An International Ecological, Economic and Military Outlook

摘要: The Himalayas contain the world’s third largest mass of ice which is a source for more than ten major rivers in Asia that support immense agricultural and industrial economies. Major Himalayan such as Ganga Yamuna water almost half India vast base, while Indus, Sutlej its tributaries serve similar function Pakistan northwest India. Similarly, Mekong, Padma Brahmaputra are vitally important to populace economies Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia Bangladesh Chinese Yangtze Yellow also originate Himalayas. Consequently, population depend on natural resources However, region remains socially disturbed, politically unstable militarily sensitive. Moreover, absence coordinated sustainable management has resulted (or exacerbated) severe crises including 2011 floods devastated Pakistan, parts Southeast Asia. Of particular concern Aksai Chin — located at convergence three regional powers China, where projects since 1970s develop electro-power facilities an economic corridor West Central Asia, combined with increased military activity, inflamed tensions heightened geo-strategic rivalries.