Srinagar, April 17: Amid rising risks of sudden Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) due to rapid glacier melt in the Himalayas, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched a focused and proactive strategy to strengthen monitoring, mitigation, and preparedness.
The Focused Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Monitoring Committee (FGMC), formed by the government, has carried out expeditions to vulnerable lakes, including Sheshnag and Sonsar along the Amarnath Yatra route, and Mundiksar, Hangu, and an unnamed lake in Kishtwar. These missions aim to gather data on lake conditions, surrounding terrain, and potential hazards.
A specialized expedition to Gangabal Lake further studied its geomorphology, natural dam stability, and glacial feed conditions, offering vital insights into GLOF threats. Upcoming expeditions are planned for other identified lakes across the region.
The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) is set to conduct advanced studies such as electric resistivity tomography, bathymetric and hydrological surveys, geological mapping, and susceptibility assessments. Plans are underway to install Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at high-risk sites, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority and technical partners.
The overall strategy involves identifying glacial lakes with GLOF potential, collecting detailed scientific data, formulating risk mitigation measures such as lake-lowering techniques, and deploying early warning systems. Personnel will be trained to operate and interpret these systems for prompt action.
Security and disaster response forces, including the NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and local Aapda Mitras, have been sensitized and prepared for emergency response. District Disaster Management Authorities have been directed to draft and implement GLOF management plans, while awareness campaigns are being intensified in vulnerable zones.
Authorities emphasized that consistent efforts will continue to strengthen GLOF risk management and ensure the safety of communities, particularly ahead of mass gatherings like the Amarnath Yatra.
In the next phase, Department of DMRR&R will be focusing on more scientific multi-disciplinary studies like electric resistivity tomography, Bathymetric investigation, hydrological study of discharge, geological studies, topography survey, susceptibility assessment etc, and has planned to install Early Warning Systems for generating real-time alerts and AWS for regular monitoring at most of high-risk glacial lakes in UT of J&K in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority and a technical partner.
The GLOF mitigation strategy is being implemented in a phased manner in the UT involving Expedition and Data Collection, identifying and studying glacial lakes that pose a high risk of GLOFs based on the assessments provided by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), NRSC, CWC, etc.
Detailed data will be gathered through bathymetric surveys, water sampling, and meteorological data collection. Additionally, the dynamics and characteristics of these lakes will be analyzed to determine the feasibility of lake-lowering techniques for reducing the risk of potential GLOF events.
Secondly, a Comprehensive Risk Mitigation strategy will be devised, developing and implementing specific mitigation measures. This includes creating comprehensive plans for lowering the water levels of high-risk lakes identified earlier.
A fully functional Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Early Warning System (EWS) will also be established to enhance preparedness. Personnel will be trained in the operation and interpretation of the EWS, ensuring effective responses to potential GLOF events. Where necessary, the lake-lowering techniques and site-specific mitigation measures will be taken to further mitigate the risks.
Efforts to expand the mitigation programme are being expedited. Apart from these initiatives, NDRF, SDRF, and ITBP have been sensitized to be prepared to deal with any emergent situation. Aapda mitras have been sensitized and activated to remain vigilant in the local areas and be prepared. Awareness generation has been specially focused. FMGC has asked the District Disaster Management Authorities to put in place the GLOF management plans and to be well prepared for the GLOF Hazard.
Consistent and sustained efforts will be continued by the FGMC and department of DMRRR to address the GLOF Hazard involving all stakeholders and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of people.