Nepal, Tibet disasters put focus on Uttarakhand's 13 vulnerable glacial lakes

Recent natural tragedies in Tibet and Nepal have renewed concerns over the safety of Uttarakhand's glacial lakes, with experts warning that a sudden rise in water levels or a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) could trigger massive flooding in downstream areas.Uttarakhand is home to approximately 426 glacial lakes, of which 13 have been categorised as potentially dangerous by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Five of these sensitive lakes face the threat of a GLOF, an event in which water held in a glacial lake is suddenly released, potentially causing destructive flooding downstream.Scientists and experts have now raised questions over the preparedness to monitor these vulnerable lakes, particularly as several planned monitoring and early warning systems have yet to become operational. Rs 30 CRORE APPROVED FOR EARLY WARNING SYSTEMSThe Central government has approved approximately Rs 30 crore for installing early warning systems at sensitive glacial lakes in Uttarakhand.

Of this amount, Rs 8.10 crore has already been released.However, work on setting up monitoring systems and installing equipment has not yet begun at several locations due to technical and other challenges.Plans include installing specialised monitoring equipment at sensitive lakes such as Vasundhara Tal and Mabang. But the difficult terrain presents major logistical challenges.Establishing communication networks, dealing with weather-related difficulties and transporting essential equipment to remote Himalayan locations remain some of the key hurdles in setting up the systems.FIVE DISTRICTS IDENTIFIED AS HIGHLY VULNERABLEFive key districts housing vulnerable glacial lakes have been identified as highly susceptible to GLOFs.These include Chamoli, where Vasudhara and Saraswati Tal are located; Uttarkashi, which houses Kedartal; and Pithoragarh, where Nagkund and Mawang Piyugu are located.A GLOF in a vulnerable Himalayan lake can rapidly alter river flows and send large volumes of water downstream.

Such sudden flooding can cause widespread damage to life and property in areas located along the affected river systems.TIBET, NEPAL TRAGEDIES RENEW CONCERNSExperts say the timely implementation of monitoring and early warning systems at vulnerable lakes is crucial to reduce the potential loss of life and property in the event of a disaster.The delays in establishing these systems have therefore added urgency to the need for strengthening preparedness around Uttarakhand's sensitive glacial lakes.- EndsPublished By: Tanu jainPublished On: Aug 29, 2026 23:53 IST