Lake water level witnesses steep rise, triggers fears in Lahaul-Spiti

An alarming rise in water level of Ghepan Lake in tribal district Lahaul and Spiti has raised concerns among residents and local authorities. According to Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana, the lake has recorded a 178% increase in water levels over the years, significantly heightening the risk of formation of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) — a sudden disaster capable of releasing massive volumes of water and debris downstream.

The district administration has been monitoring the lake on a daily basis as satellite data continues to show a worrying trend. Officials fear that the accumulation of water could lead to a catastrophic event, especially in a region known for its fragile mountain slopes and glacial structures.

A GLOF occurs when the natural dam holding a glacial lake fails. This can be triggered by several factors such as ice or rock avalanches sliding into the lake, rapid melting of ice dams, earthquakes, heavy rainfall and glacier movement. Such events are known to generate sudden, high-impact floods, posing major dangers in Himalayan regions.

The DC explained that the administration is now prioritising disaster mitigation rather than merely disaster management due to the rising risk. “We are working with multiple stakeholders and adopting several interventions. The forest department and the CSIR are collaborating on slope stabilisation, planting species that help reduce soil erosion,” she said.

The Jal Shakti Department and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) are jointly developing a drainage system to channel excess water safely away from vulnerable zones. Meanwhile, a survey with C-DAC has been conducted to install an early warning system that could alert residents in advance of any potential breach.

The administration is also preparing a village-level mitigation plan, aiming to involve local communities directly in risk reduction and preparedness efforts.

Additionally, discussions are underway to sign an MoU with Himachal Pradesh University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for further scientific support and monitoring.

Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana confirmed that she has raised the issue in the state Assembly. “The government is deeply concerned and scientific studies are ongoing to assess the threat. An early warning system will be set up soon and necessary directions have been issued to the district administration,” she stated.

Local residents have urged the state government to accelerate the installation of an early warning system and adopt more proactive measures to prevent any disaster.