- Expeditions Provide Important Insights into Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risks in J&K
JAMMU, Dec 24: In response to the escalating threats from glacial lake overflows, the Jammu and Kashmir government is ramping up efforts to monitor and address the dangers associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFS).
“A series of scientific expeditions have been organized to improve our understanding and readiness for these potential hazards,” an official announcement from the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction indicated.
One notable initiative involved a specialized expedition team led by Dr. Sunil Dhar from the Department of Environmental Sciences at the Central University of Jammu, which conducted an in-depth study of three significant glacial lakes in the Kishtwar district—Mundiksar, Hangu, and an unnamed lake. Additionally, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) examined the Bram Sar Lake in the Kulgam district. Earlier in June, the Department of Geography & Disaster Management at the University of Kashmir also performed field studies at two glacial lakes.
“These expeditions have yielded valuable data regarding lake conditions, environmental factors, and the likelihood of GLOF incidents. The information collected will be vital in developing risk mitigation strategies and enhancing early warning systems for the region,” the communication highlighted. The expeditions have been crucial in gathering essential data and evaluating the threats posed by potentially dangerous glacial lakes (PDGLS) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, the GLOF mitigation strategy will unfold in two phases. Phase I—“expedition and data collection”—will prioritize identifying and analyzing glacial lakes that exhibit a high GLOF risk, as indicated by assessments from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), NRSC, CWC, and others. Phase II will entail the creation and implementation of targeted mitigation measures.
A functioning Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Early Warning System (EWS) will also be established to bolster preparedness. Personnel will receive training on operating and interpreting the EWS to ensure effective responses to potential GLOF events, along with implementing necessary lake-lowering techniques to further reduce risks.
Notably, the Jammu & Kashmir government established a Focused Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Monitoring Committee (FGMC) in April 2024 to concentrate on mitigation efforts in light of glacial lake overflows.
