Answer: 

The cryosphere refers to the regions on Earth where water freezes into snow or ice.

IPCC observations show that there has been a continued net loss of ice from the cryosphere. According to the State of the Cryosphere 2023 report, nearly all tropical glaciers, most mid-latitude glaciers, and polar regions will disappear even if the world manages to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius, above the preindustrial era.

Threats faced by the cryosphere:

• Melting Glaciers: Himalayan glaciers are receding rapidly, impacting water resources for millions. [e.g. Gangotri Glacier].
• Thinning Sea Ice: Arctic sea ice loss affects marine ecosystems and indigenous communities. [e.g.Chukchi Sea in Russia].
• Permafrost Thaw: Thawing permafrost in Ladakh leads to infrastructure instability and landslides. [e.g.Changthang Plateau].
• Ice Sheet Collapse: The retreat of Siachen Glacier poses security challenges and water scarcity risks. [e.g., Siachen Glacier].
• Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): GLOFs in Sikkim threaten lives, infrastructure, and agriculture downstream. [e.g., Lake Gurudongmar].
• Zombie ice phenomena: Dead or doomed ice that is attached to thicker areas of ice and is no longer getting replenished by parent glaciers. e.g. Greenland ice sheet. 

Solutions to contain the crisis:

• Primary goal should be to limit the global warming within 2 degree Celsius from pre-industrial levels.
• Renewable Energy Adoption: Promote solar and wind energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. [e.g Solar farms in Ladakh]
• Sustainable Tourism Practices: Implement eco-friendly measures to reduce glacier tourism's ecological footprint. [e.g., Ecotourism in Himachal Pradesh]
• Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Construct resilient infrastructure to withstand permafrost thaw and GLOFs. [e.g. Bridge construction in Arunachal Pradesh]
• Afforestation Initiatives: Plant native species to stabilize slopes and mitigate glacial melt. 
• Community Engagement: Involve local communities in glacier monitoring and adaptation planning. [e.g. Community-based projects in Sikkim]

• Resource Mobilization: Initiatives like Ambition on Melting Ice (AMI) COP27 should be adequately backed with financial commitments. 

Protecting the cryosphere is essential to maintaining a stable climate and preserving the delicate balance of the Earth’s climate system. Urgent action is needed to mitigate cryospheric threats in India, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action.