34 Glacial Lakes Show Growing Water Spread, Central Water Commission Reports to NGT

Quick Summary

• The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported an increase in the water spread area of 34 out of 100 studied glacial lakes in India.
• Data revealed trends for these lakes as follows:

– Increasing trend: 34 lakes
– Decreasing trend: 20 lakes
– No change: 44 lakes

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is investigating the risks associated with expanding glacial lakes, such as potential overflow or bursting, which can cause downstream damage.
• Published studies suggest a meaningful rise in Himachal Pradesh’s glacial lake areas poses dangers to lives and infrastructure if breaches occur.
• CWC monitors over 902 large water bodies using remote sensing and publishes monthly reports online. It has developed risk criteria for select glacial lake assessments and approved GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) studies for mitigation.
• Current initiatives include disaster reduction programs like the ₹150 crore National GLOF Risk Mitigation Program (2021-2026).
• NGT has directed further remedial actions from institutions such as the National Institute of Hydrology.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The issue of Himalayan glacier melt and expanding glacial lake areas is a growing concern for India’s environmental sustainability. The reported increasing water spread trends indicate higher risks of natural calamities like Glacial Lake outburst Floods (GLOFs), which could have devastating consequences on downstream populations, infrastructure, agriculture, and river systems. Proactive measures by organizations such as CWC to monitor and develop mitigation plans show promise but highlight complexities due to diverse geographic regions.

NGT’s involvement ensures legal oversight to expedite scientific remedies; however, implementation must align with existing policies under entities like NDMA while considering inter-state cooperation due to transboundary impacts.Swift execution of projects under frameworks like the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Program will be essential in ensuring preparedness against future disasters linked to climate changes affecting glaciers.

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