Save the Himalaya. Save the Planet.
a climate crisis in the mountain range
The Himalayan mountain range is the youngest and most fragile mountain range on Earth. Because of continuing tectonic activity, which makes vulnerable to natural disasters. The Himalayas are relatively young, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates approximately 50 million years ago. This continuing collision is still actively pushing the mountains upward, making them a young and still-evolving mountain range. The ongoing tectonic activity, combined with the young and unstable geology, makes the Himalayas susceptible to frequent earthquakes and landslides. The region’s high seismicity and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) contribute to its fragility.
Pin Valley
Pin Valley
An unnamed glacier in the Pin Valley National Park at an altitude of 12000 feet is the source of the River Pin; the local name of the glacier is Tariya Khad. India.
Glacial lakes pose significant risks due to potential glacial lake outbursts. Floods can occur when natural dams, such as moraine or ice, fail to hold back lake water and can be triggered by factors like avalanches of ice or rock, which can cause severe and sudden flooding downstream.
Major Glacial Lake Type in the Ganga Basin
Moraine-dammed Lake
Ice-dammed Lake
Glacier Erosion Lake
Other Glacial Lake
The Third Arctic
a new documentary on the Himalaya in making
Partha Sengupta, Director
The Third Arctic is a documentary that investigates and explores the rapidly collapsing ecological balance of the Indian Himalayas - a region often overlooked in global climate narratives but central to the survival of over two billion people of the Indian subcontinent. As glaciers melt at unprecedented rates and construction of tunnels, dams, and blasting through fragile mountain terrain occur, the film explores the irreversible consequences of unchecked development and Climate Change.
Why the film?
This is not a film about what might happen. It's about what is happening now. It questioned us to reconsider what development means in a place where the ground itself is falling apart. What do we stand to lose when rivers die at their source? And what kind of future is being built when the mountains can no longer hold?
Why now?
The Third Arctic is a warning, a witness, and a reckoning. The time for debate is not the solution, but the Himalaya Mountain range is speaking. The critical question is: who’s listening?
In making of the film, I am personally thankful for their continuing advice:
Dr Bharat Jhunjhunwala Former Professor of Economics Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
Dr Ravi Chopra Research Scientist People Science Institute Dehradun Uttarakhand
Dr Vishal Singh Translational Ecologist Center for Ecology, Research & Development Dehradun Uttarakhand
Dr Manish Mehta Scientist Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology Dehradun Uttarakhand
For the film, I need to complete final research and coordinate crew mobilisation and logistics to access remote, high-altitude Himalayan regions and glaciers in Uttarakhand, while securing on-the-ground participation from key characters. This phase also involves scripting and producing a powerful TEASER, which is essential for unlocking larger production grants and advancing the project into its next stage.
Filming in the Indian Himalayas is not only physically demanding but also expensive. Equipment needs to be transported to high-altitude regions; crew safety, permits, and logistical coordination require resources.
The film gives a platform to displaced communities, frontline climate activists, and scientists. That's why I need your help and have decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign to support the film.
This isn’t just a film—it’s part of a larger climate justice campaign. Funds also support an educational rollout.
Donate Now.Support the Film
US nationals - All donations are tax-deductible in the United States via our fiscal sponsor,
SIMA Studios is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit dedicated to supporting creative projects that drive positive change.
Indian nationals, pay Online:
Partha Sarathi Sengupta
Bank Name: Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.
Apeejay House, 18 Park St. Kolkata. 16
Current Account : 5811449178
IFSC Code : KKBK000322
International Donors
As a donor, you are entitled to receive details of the amount generated and expenses regarding the making of the film over your email ID, or you can write to me for account details. Otherwise, if you are a contributor or interested in the film, the newsletter’s regular updates will keep you informed about the latest developments of the project and the environmental situation of the Himalayan region.