GS3 – Disaster Management
Context
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has reported a significant rise in India’s glacial lake areas, heightening the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) amid ongoing climate change concerns.
Key Facts
- Expansion Rate: Glacial lake area has expanded by over 30% since 2011.
- Comparative Data:
- 2011 – 1,917 hectares
- 2025 – 2,508 hectares
- Correlation with Disasters: This trend coincides with the rising frequency of flood events in Himalayan states and adjoining regions.
- Global Link: Similar trends of rapid glacial retreat and lake expansion are being observed worldwide in high mountain systems (Himalayas, Andes, Alps).
Causes
- Climate Change & Global Warming
- Rising global temperatures accelerate glacier melting.
- Increased precipitation in the form of rain rather than snow in high-altitude areas contributes to higher water inflow into glacial lakes.
- Glacier Dynamics
- Retreating glaciers leave behind depressions that accumulate meltwater, forming new lakes or enlarging existing ones.
- Weakening of moraine dams (made of loose sediments, ice, and rock) makes them more vulnerable to collapse.
- Anthropogenic Influences
- Infrastructure development (roads, hydropower projects, tourism facilities) in fragile Himalayan terrain disturbs natural glacial hydrology.
- Increased carbon emissions and black carbon deposits on glaciers accelerate melting by reducing albedo.
Implications
- Disaster Risks (GLOFs)
- Sudden release of massive water volumes can devastate downstream settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure.
- Previous incidents (e.g., Chamoli disaster, Uttarakhand 2021) illustrate the catastrophic potential.
- Impact on Communities
- Mountain populations face loss of lives, displacement, livelihood destruction, and long-term psychological stress.
- Indigenous and pastoralist groups dependent on fragile ecosystems are highly vulnerable.
- Hydrological & Ecological Concerns
- Disruption of river regimes affecting irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation.
- Loss of biodiversity in fragile high-altitude ecosystems.
- Economic Costs
- Heavy financial losses from damage to roads, bridges, hydroelectric plants, and tourism infrastructure.
- Increased burden on state disaster management authorities.
Way Forward
- Strengthened Monitoring & Research
- Use satellite remote sensing and GIS for mapping lakes.
- Ensure continuous tracking through CWC, ISRO, and global collaborations.
- Risk Assessment & Early Warning
- Install automated sensors, sirens, and mobile alert systems in vulnerable valleys.
- Monitor lake water levels and moraine dam stability in real time.
- Infrastructure Resilience
- Build climate-resilient dams, bridges, and hydropower projects.
- Restrict unplanned construction and deforestation in fragile mountains.
- Community Preparedness
- Conduct mock drills, evacuation plans, and awareness drives in high-risk villages.
- Blend local knowledge with scientific studies for better disaster management.
- Policy & Governance
- Include GLOF risks in land-use planning.
- Strengthen NMSHE under NAPCC.
- Enhance regional cooperation with Nepal, Bhutan, and China for shared risk management.