Given increased exposure to GLOFs, flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and other climate-related risks, officials stress that combining satellite surveillance, scientific assessments, ground monitoring, early warning systems, HFL mapping, and rapid emergency response is essential to reducing hazards in vulnerable Himalayan valleys.
Shimla:Himachal Pradesh has identified 67 vulnerable glacial lakes, including several in remote, high-altitude areas, and is developing early warning systems for four of the most at-risk lakes in the Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts, Special Secretary for Disaster Management Pushpinder Rana announced on Saturday.
The state government is monitoring these lakes using satellite imagery and scientific data to detect changes that could increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). It is exploring technical solutions to install sensors capable of transmitting real-time information from locations lacking conventional communication networks.
Speaking in Shimla, Rana described the identification of a large number of vulnerable lakes as concerning, especially given recent Himalayan disasters that have shown major incidents can occur without typical warning signs such as intense rainfall.
“Number bada hai, chinta ka vishay toh hai hi (The figure is huge, it’s a matter of concern). At the State Centre for Climate Change, we have identified 67 such lakes which are above 10 hectares in area. We are analysing them through satellite and other data to see whether any such situation is developing in them,” he said.
GLOFs occur when accumulated water in or around a glacial lake suddenly releases, potentially causing flash floods, damaging infrastructure, and threatening downstream settlements.
Rana noted the difficulty of predicting such events based solely on rainfall forecasts, citing recent Himalayan incidents. The state is therefore seeking innovative technological methods for continuous monitoring, particularly in inaccessible terrain.
“Until we find an innovative way to move forward on this, we will not be able to take effective steps regarding them,” he stated.
The state has submitted a proposal to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to establish early warning systems for vulnerable glacial lakes. Four lakes in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, including Parchu Lake and sites in the Sangla-Kinnaur region, have been prioritised under the National Landslide Mitigation Programme for enhanced monitoring and warning capabilities.
The proposed systems aim to detect hazardous changes in lake conditions and communicate warnings to authorities and populations downstream.
However, Rana acknowledged the technological challenges involved in installing these systems at high-altitude remote locations lacking network connectivity. Questions remain about sensor placement, installation, and data transmission.
The state is collaborating with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to develop solutions addressing these challenges.
Following NDMA’s final approval, work will begin on installing an early warning system at Dipang Ghat. Additionally, High Flood Level (HFL) markings are being implemented in downstream areas potentially affected by sudden water releases.
“The High Flood Level marking in the downstream areas that could be affected is also being taken up at Dipang Ghat. The process is underway,” said Rana.
Regular monitoring and community awareness form key components of the preparedness strategy.
“The idea is that we will move forward towards an early warning system. The High Flood Level marking and regular monitoring will also be deployed at such locations,” Rana added.
The state’s approach relies on scientific studies of Himalayan glaciers and glacial lakes using satellite observations. Remote sensing enables researchers to map changes in glaciers and lakes, crucial due to the inaccessibility and hazards of high-altitude terrain.
Studies involving Himachal Pradesh basins like the Sutlej and Spiti have documented changes in glacier areas and the number and size of glacial lakes. Higher-resolution satellite imagery has improved detection of smaller water bodies and tracking of their changes.
While an increase in glacial lake size or number, unstable moraine dams, and related changes can indicate evolving risks, individual site assessments are required to classify imminent GLOF threats.
Satellite data remains central to the state’s ongoing monitoring efforts.
Rana emphasised that GLOF risks transcend national borders since Himalayan river systems and glacial landscapes extend internationally.
“There are around 1,000 such lakes within the Indian side of the border, and to understand what is happening and how it is happening, we definitely need international knowledge and exchange,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of sharing information about upstream developments that could impact downstream populations.
This issue is particularly significant for Himachal Pradesh as several major river systems originate or flow through its high-altitude Himalayan terrain.
The state is also enhancing its broader disaster information and response mechanisms. The emergency helpline 1077 is available for reporting hazards, and Emergency Response Centres at district and state levels operate 24/7.
Information from sources including the India Meteorological Department is carefully assessed before action is taken.
Given increased exposure to GLOFs, flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and other climate-related risks, officials stress that combining satellite surveillance, scientific assessments, ground monitoring, early warning systems, HFL mapping, and rapid emergency response is essential to reducing hazards in vulnerable Himalayan valleys.
ANI