By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 13 Sept: Nearly 1200 glacier lakes exist in the high Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, of which five lakes have been classified as highly sensitive. The Disaster Management Department has already conducted a study of the Vasudhara glacier lake in Chamoli district and has now constituted a team of experts to study two of the remaining four highly sensitive glacier lakes located in Pithoragarh district. The team is scheduled to depart on September 20 to ascertain the actual condition of these lakes.
In 2024, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had released a report after studying glacier lakes across the country. According to the report, out of the approximately 1200 glacier lakes in Uttarakhand, 13 were identified as sensitive and highly sensitive, with specific instructions issued for their periodic monitoring. Following this, the Disaster Management Department resolved to monitor the five lakes that have been placed in the highly sensitive category. A team of experts was formed last year and a detailed study of the Vasudhara glacier lake in Chamoli was conducted by the team. The department is now moving forward with the study of two highly sensitive glacier lakes in Pithoragarh district.
For this purpose, a team of specialists has been constituted which will set out for the glaciers on September 20. The department had earlier decided to schedule the visit in September or October as rainfall generally reduces during this period, while the volume of water in glacier lakes remains high, making it a crucial time for assessment. Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman has confirmed that preparations for the study are complete and the team, comprising experts from the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA), Geographic Information System (GIS), ITBP and other institutions, will leave from Dehradun on September 20. The team will carry out bathymetry of the glacier lakes on the ground.
Bathymetry involves the use of specialised equipment to measure the length, breadth and water volume of a lake. Alongside, a manual survey will also be conducted to assess potential risks associated with the lakes. The experts will also make recommendations on the type of equipment that needs to be installed near the lakes, the additional precautions required, and the areas likely to be affected in the event of a breach.
The study of the Vasudhara glacier lake in district Chamoli, last year had led experts to recommend installation of sensors around the lake. However, the installation process has not yet begun. When asked about the delay, Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman claimed that the specifications for high-tech sensors have been finalised. He said that owing to the challenging terrain of the area, sensors could not be installed earlier, but the process is currently underway and installation will be completed soon.
