Uttarakhand’s Action Plan for Glacial Lakes

January 6, 2025

The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) is actively working on a comprehensive action plan to study and monitor glacial lakes in the region. This initiative aims to establish early warning systems to prevent disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 13 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand, with five classified as high-risk. This effort follows previous catastrophic events caused by GLOFs, denoting the need for effective monitoring and risk mitigation.

Identification of High-Risk Glacial Lakes

The NDMA has categorised the 13 glacial lakes into three risk levels – A, B, and C. Among these, five lakes fall under Category A, indicating they pose the highest risk. The lakes are located primarily in Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts. A survey team, including representatives from multiple disaster management and geological institutions, has begun assessing these high-risk lakes.

Survey and Monitoring Technology

The survey process begins by gathering data on the dimensions and terrain of the glacial lakes. Key metrics include length, width, depth, and downstream flow. Advanced technology will be deployed, including water-level sensors and thermal imaging devices, to monitor these lakes in real-time. This data will aid in developing effective early warning systems.

Funding and Institutional Collaboration

The NDMA has allocated Rs 150 crore for the glacial lake study across India, with Uttarakhand receiving Rs 30 crore. The initiative involves collaboration between various institutions, including the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. This cooperative approach aims to create a robust monitoring system to mitigate GLOF risks.

Historical Context of GLOFs in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has experienced GLOF events in recent years. The 2013 Kedarnath disaster resulted in thousands of fatalities and widespread destruction. In 2021, another GLOF in Chamoli led to over 70 deaths. These incidents tell the region’s vulnerability and the urgent need for monitoring and preventive measures.

GLOFs can release millions of cubic meters of water rapidly.
Vasudhara Tal, a high-risk lake, is located at 4,795 meters elevation.
Uttarakhand has 13 identified glacial lakes at risk of GLOFs.
The NDMA categorises lakes into A, B, and C based on risk.
Approximately 6,353 sq km of land is at risk from potential GLOFs.

Climate Change Impacts on Glacial Lakes

Climate change exacerbates the risks associated with glacial lakes. Rising temperatures accelerate glacier melting, increasing the volume of water in glacial lakes. Studies predict that average temperatures in Uttarakhand may rise by 1.6-1.9 degrees Celsius by 2050. This climatic shift is expected to heighten the frequency of GLOF incidents in the region.

Future Challenges and Preparedness

The ongoing monitoring efforts aim to enhance preparedness for potential GLOF events. Continuous assessment of the glacial lakes will inform risk management strategies. Furthermore, infrastructure development in vulnerable areas poses additional challenges, necessitating a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction. The combination of technological advancements, institutional collaboration, and proactive measures will be crucial in addressing the threats posed by glacial lake outburst floods in Uttarakhand.

« Previous Post Next Post »