Glacial Lake Monitoring in Uttarakhand – A New Initiative

Uttarakhand is taking steps to enhance disaster management related to glacial lakes. The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) is spearheading a comprehensive action plan for studying and monitoring these lakes. This initiative aims to establish early warning systems for potential disasters, particularly glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 13 glacial lakes in the state, with five classified as high-risk.

About Glacial Lakes

Glacial lakes are formed by the melting of glaciers. They can pose risks when they become unstable. A sudden outburst can lead to catastrophic flooding. This is especially true in mountainous regions, like Uttarakhand, where topography can exacerbate the impact of such floods.

Risk Assessment and Categorisation

The NDMA has categorised the identified lakes into three groups – A, B, and C. Category A lakes are the most vulnerable. The USDMA has conducted surveys on Vasudhara Lake and plans to assess other high-risk lakes in Pithoragarh. This categorisation helps focus resources where they are needed most.

Survey and Monitoring Techniques

The initial phase of the survey involves measuring the physical characteristics of the lakes. This includes length, width, terrain, and depth. Following this, advanced technology will be deployed for real-time monitoring. Equipment such as water-level sensors, automatic weather stations, and thermal imaging devices will be used.

Collaboration with Institutions

The USDMA is collaborating with various institutions for this initiative. Key partners include the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of glacial lake dynamics.

Funding and Resources

The NDMA has allocated substantial funding for this initiative. A total of Rs 150 crore has been earmarked for studies across India, with Uttarakhand receiving Rs 30 crore. This financial support is crucial for implementing effective monitoring systems.

Past Incidents and Lessons Learned

Uttarakhand has experienced disasters due to glacial lake outburst floods. The Kedarnath valley disaster in 2013 resulted in thousands of fatalities. A similar incident in Chamoli in 2021 claimed over 70 lives. These events tell the importance of proactive monitoring and disaster preparedness.

Future Directions

The USDMA’s ongoing efforts aim to create a robust framework for monitoring glacial lakes. The focus is on developing foolproof systems that can provide timely warnings. This initiative is vital for protecting communities and minimising loss of life in the face of natural disasters.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of climate change on the stability of glacial lakes in the Himalayas.
2. What are the main causes of glacial lake outburst floods? Explain their implications for local populations.
3. With suitable examples, comment on the effectiveness of early warning systems in disaster management.
4. What is the role of inter-agency collaboration in disaster preparedness? Discuss with reference to Uttarakhand’s approach.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of climate change on the stability of glacial lakes in the Himalayas.

1. Climate change leads to accelerated glacier melting, increasing glacial lake volumes.
2. Higher temperatures contribute to the destabilization of ice dams surrounding lakes.
3. Increased precipitation can lead to more runoff, raising lake levels and flood risks.
4. Glacial retreat alters hydrological patterns, affecting downstream water availability.
5. These changes can result in frequent glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), threatening local ecosystems and communities.

2. What are the main causes of glacial lake outburst floods? Explain their implications for local populations.

1. GLOFs are primarily triggered by the failure of ice or moraine dams holding back glacial lakes.
2. Rapid melting due to rising temperatures can lead to increased water pressure and dam failure.
3. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm the capacity of glacial lakes, causing overflow and breaches.
4. Implications for local populations include loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and displacement.
5. GLOFs can also disrupt local economies reliant on agriculture and tourism.

3. With suitable examples, comment on the effectiveness of early warning systems in disaster management.

1. Early warning systems (EWS) provide timely alerts about potential disasters, allowing for evacuation and preparedness.
2. The 2013 Kedarnath disaster brought into light the lack of effective EWS, resulting in high casualties.
3. In contrast, the 2021 Chamoli incident saw improved communication and monitoring, reducing fatalities.
4. Examples from other regions, like Japan’s earthquake early warning, demonstrate successful EWS implementation.
5. Effective EWS can save lives, minimize economic losses, and enhance community resilience.

4. What is the role of inter-agency collaboration in disaster preparedness? Discuss with reference to Uttarakhand’s approach.

1. Inter-agency collaboration enhances resource sharing, expertise, and technology deployment for disaster management.
2. In Uttarakhand, agencies like USDMA, NDMA, and various research institutions work together on glacial lake monitoring.
3. This collaboration allows for comprehensive surveys and the development of effective early warning systems.
4. Joint initiatives ensure that diverse perspectives and skills contribute to disaster preparedness strategies.
5. Successful collaboration can lead to more resilient communities and improved response capabilities during disasters.