India's preparedness and mitigation strategies against Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) events
The article discusses India's preparation for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) events, highlighting recent catastrophic events in Nepal and the increasing risk in the Himalayas due to rising temperatures and glacial melt. India's National Remote Sensing Centre identifies 28,000 glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), with two main types: supraglacial and moraine-dammed. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has shifted from post-disaster response to proactive risk reduction, initiating a national program to prioritize and mitigate risks from 195 at-risk glacial lakes. This includes hazard assessment, installing early warning systems, and community engagement.
Key Points
- GLOF events, like recent ones in Nepal, pose increasing threats in the Himalayas due to glacial melt and rising temperatures.
- The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) contains 28,000 glacial lakes, primarily supraglacial and moraine-dammed types.
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has adopted a proactive strategy for GLOF risk reduction, moving beyond post-disaster response.
- A national program prioritizes 195 at-risk glacial lakes for mitigation, including hazard assessment and early warning systems.
- Challenges include the inaccessibility of high-altitude lakes for surveys and the lack of comprehensive weather and water monitoring stations.
Exam Facts
- The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has 11 river basins and 28,000 glacial lakes.
- The NDMA's Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR) coordinates national efforts.
- The national program prioritizes 195 at-risk glacial lakes, categorized into four risk levels.
- The South Lhonak GLOF in Sikkim in 2023 destroyed the Chungthang dam.
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