JAMMU, DEC 24: In response to the growing threats posed by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFS), the Jammu & Kashmir government has ramped up efforts to monitor and mitigate these risks.
“A series of scientific expeditions have been conducted to enhance understanding and preparedness against these potential hazards,” stated an official communication issued by the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction.
As part of these initiatives, a specialized expedition team, led by Dr. Sunil Dhar from the Department of Environmental Sciences at the Central University of Jammu, recently conducted an extensive study of three critical glacial lakes in Kishtwar district. The lakes studied include Mundiksar, Hangu, and an unnamed lake. Additionally, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a detailed study of Bram Sar Lake in Kulgam district. In June, the Department of Geography & Disaster Management at the University of Kashmir also carried out field expeditions to two glacial lakes.
“These expeditions provided valuable data on lake conditions, surrounding environmental factors, and the potential risks of GLOF events. The insights gained will play a crucial role in developing risk mitigation strategies and strengthening early warning systems in the region,” the document noted. These expeditions were vital in assessing the risks associated with potentially dangerous glacial lakes (PDGLs) in Jammu & Kashmir.
The communication also revealed that the GLOF mitigation strategy will be implemented in two phases. Phase I, “Expedition and Data Collection,” will focus on identifying and studying glacial lakes that pose a high risk of GLOFs, based on assessments provided by organizations like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), NRSC, and CWC. Phase II will focus on developing and implementing specific mitigation measures.
In addition, a fully operational Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Early Warning System (EWS) will be established to enhance preparedness. Personnel will be trained in the operation and interpretation of the EWS, ensuring effective responses to potential GLOF events. Necessary lake-lowering techniques will also be deployed to further mitigate risks.
Notably, the Jammu & Kashmir government formed a Focused Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Monitoring Committee (FGMC) in April 2024 to focus on mitigation measures in response to the overflow of glacial lakes.
