The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) is creating a plan to study and monitor glacial lakes in the region to prevent disasters like glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
Here's a simplified explanation:
What is a glacial lake? A lake formed by melting glaciers.
What is a GLOF? A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood. It happens when the water in a glacial lake suddenly bursts through the ice or sediment that's holding it back, causing a flash flood.
Why is Uttarakhand doing this? The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 13 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand, and 5 of them are considered high-risk for GLOFs. Uttarakhand has experienced devastating GLOFs in the past (like the Kedarnath disaster in 2013 and another in Chamoli in 2021).
How will they monitor the lakes?
- They will gather information about the lakes' size, shape, and surrounding terrain (length, width, depth, and downstream flow).
- They will use technology like water-level sensors and thermal imaging to monitor the lakes in real-time.
Who is involved?
- Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA).
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing.
- Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.
How much money is being spent? The NDMA has allocated Rs 150 crore (approximately $18 million USD) for studying glacial lakes across India, with Rs 30 crore (approximately $3.6 million USD) going to Uttarakhand.
What impact does climate change have? Rising temperatures cause glaciers to melt faster, which increases the amount of water in glacial lakes, making GLOFs more likely. Studies predict temperatures in Uttarakhand could rise significantly by 2050.
Key Facts:
- GLOFs can release huge amounts of water very quickly.
- Vasudhara Tal is a high-risk lake located at a very high elevation (4,795 meters).
- 13 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand are at risk.
- The NDMA classifies the lakes into three risk categories: A (highest risk), B, and C.
- A large area of land (6,353 sq km) is at risk from GLOFs.
What are the future challenges?
- Continuously monitoring the lakes.
- Planning for how to manage the risk.
- Considering the impact on infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
In simple terms: Because of the danger of floods from melting glaciers, the government in Uttarakhand is starting a project to carefully watch the lakes and create early warning systems. They will use technology and work with scientists to try to prevent future disasters. Climate change is making the problem worse by causing more melting