Exploring kuhl irrigation system potential in changing cryosphere regime of Astore river basin, Pakistan.

Snow and glacier melt runoff supporting agriculture and livelihoods of large number of communities is becoming highly vulnerable to recent changes in climate and cryosphere in the Himalayan region. In the present study, potential for expanding base of glacier-fed irrigation system was assessed through adopting water availability and topographic suitability indexing approach in the Astore basin, of Pakistan. Availability of glacier-melt water was found 2.0 L/sec/hectare (lps/ha) over high topographic suitability area (0–15° slope < 3500 m), 0.8 lps/ha over combined high and medium suitability area (0–30° slope < 3500 m), and 0.9 lps/ha over net culturable land in the basin. These estimates point toward adequate meltwater availability for establishing kuhl system over high and medium topographic suitability areas in the basin. The scenarios of 20%, 40%, and 60% reduction in glaciated area indicated adequate meltwater runoff for crop farming over high topographic suitability, while the water availability was observed low over medium suitability and net culturable areas. A long-term research on changing climate and cryosphere would be important to understand the hydroglacial dynamics and implications for water resource management in this region in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]