Ladakh: Strategy discussed to prevent threat posed by glacial lake outburst floods

Jammu, July 11

With the monsoon season set in and possibility of cloudburst in the region rising, the Ladakh administration is preparing itself for Glacial Lake Outburst Flow (GLOF) and floods which are witnessed in the region during this time of the year.

The chairman of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Ladakh, Pawan Kotwal chaired a meeting regarding the preparedness for dealing with possible GLOF and floods due to cloudburst hazards in the UT.

The meeting focused on comprehensive deliberations and discussions regarding vulnerable areas prone to floods due to cloudbursts affecting lakes in Ladakh.

The Adviser reviewed detailed reports on vulnerable lakes in the Leh, Kargil, and Zanskar regions. He instructed the District Magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police of Leh and Kargil to identify suitable locations in their respective districts to accommodate the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team.

The Additional Director General of Police, Ladakh, assured the NDRF team that they would be provided accommodation in existing District Police Lines.

Kotwal directed the UT Disaster Response Force (UTDRF) to visit identified vulnerable points to assess the risk and enhance preparedness. He emphasised the need for the latest equipment, including solar charging panels and satellite phones, to be made available to the concerned officers.

He urged the UTDRF to provide training to the ‘Aapda Mitr’ (volunteers) and residents to ensure the safety of human lives during natural disasters. He highlighted the importance of community involvement and advanced preparedness in mitigating the impact of GLOFs in Ladakh. He emphasised the importance of proactive planning, coordination, and preparedness to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.