J&K Govt takes steps to check risk of glacial lake outburst floods

The Jammu and Kashmir government is taking steps to mitigate the risks associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Union Territory.

The initiative involved a phased approach, including data collection, identification of high-risk glacial lakes and development of early warning systems.

The region’s unique geography, with its high-altitude glaciers and lakes, makes it particularly vulnerable to GLOFs. Rising global temperatures are accelerating glacier melting, leading to formation of numerous glacial lakes that are at risk of sudden breach, releasing millions of cubic meters of water and debris.

An official spokesperson said, “To address this threat, the J&K government has adopted a comprehensive, holistic and proactive approach, initiating numerous technologically advanced measures on this account. These included expeditions and data collection; gathering detailed data through bathymetric surveys, water sampling and meteorological data collection to understand the dynamics and characteristics of glacial lakes, risk assessment and categorisation; identifying high-risk glacial lakes based on 17 critical parameters including size, location and potential mass movement zones”.

The official said, “The Focused Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Monitoring Committee (FGMC) has been constituted to oversee implementation of the mitigation strategy. The committee has identified 14 high-risk glacial lakes, three moderate-risk lakes and seven low-risk lakes. Expeditions have been conducted to high risk lakes, including Sheeshnag and Sonsar, to enhance understanding and preparedness.”

The government plans to continue its efforts to expand the mitigation programme, improve predictive abilities for heavy rainfall events and sensitise the stakeholders, including NDR, SDRF and ITBP to be prepared for any emergent situation. Likewise, awareness generation has been specially focused upon and Aapda Mitras are being sensitised and activated to remain vigilant in local areas.

Building on the momentum of its initiatives, the J&K government has undertaken a series of specialised expeditions to study critical glacial lakes in the region.

Led by Sunil Dhar from the Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jammu, these expeditions have focused on three high-risk lakes in the Kishtwar district: Mundiksar Lake, Hangu Lake and an unnamed lake.

The official further said, “The expeditions have provided invaluable data on lake conditions, environmental factors, and potential GLOF risks. This information will be crucial in developing risk mitigation strategies and enhancing early warning systems. A subsequent expedition to Gangabal Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake in the northwestern Himalayas, assessed the lake’s physical and geological characteristics, including local geomorphology, natural dam stability and glacier conditions”.

Although classified as high-risk due to its location and feeding glacier dynamics, the field survey found Gangabal Lake to be currently stable. The lake’s consolidated dam material, lack of piping activity and steady water discharge contribute to this stability. However, the steep slopes and visible mass movement zones, combined with the crevassed Harmukh Glacier, highlight the need for continuous monitoring to mitigate the potential risks.