[Answered] Himalayan Glacial Lake Outburst Floods pose a severe threat. Examine India’s preparedness and the National Disaster Management Authority’s strategies in mitigating GLOF risks for regional resilience and disaster governance.

Introduction

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are emerging as high-impact climate-induced disasters in the Indian Himalayas. India’s preparedness, spearheaded by the NDMA, is crucial for ensuring regional resilience and governance.

GLOFs: An Emerging Himalayan Hazard

1. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) occur when moraine or ice dams containing glacial lakes breach, unleashing sudden, destructive torrents. Triggered by earthquakes, ice avalanches, or climate-induced glacial melt, GLOFs threaten Himalayan states across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.

1. India has 7,500+ glacial lakes, with most above 4,500m elevation.
2. Two major types in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR): Supraglacial lakes: Formed on glacier surfaces and Moraine-dammed lakes: Formed at glacial snouts, held by loose debris—highly vulnerable.

 India’s GLOF Risk Profile

India has witnessed several destructive GLOFs:

1. Kedarnath disaster (2013): Chorabari lake breach, combined with cloudburst and landslides, killed 5,700+ people.
2. South Lhonak GLOF, Sikkim (2023): Destroyed the ₹16,000 crore Chungthang hydropower plant, severely affecting Teesta river dynamics.
3. Over 28,000 glacial lakes exist across 11 Himalayan basins (NRSC, ISRO).
4. Climate change exacerbates risk. 2023 and 2024 were the hottest years on record, accelerating glacial melt and moraine instability. Poor accessibility and lack of monitoring amplify the hazard.

India’s Preparedness and NDMA-Led Mitigation Strategy

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has taken the lead in transitioning from post-disaster response to risk mitigation:

a) National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme: Launched with $20 million investment, covering 195 glacial lakes, prioritised under four risk categories. Five-pronged strategy:

1. 1. Hazard assessment – Bathymetry, slope stability, ice-core surveys using UAVs and ERT.
   2. Monitoring – Installation of Automated Weather and Water Stations (AWWS) and early warning systems.
   3. Mitigation – Risk reduction via water drawdown and retention structures.
   4. Community engagement – Involving locals for credibility and sustainability.
   5. Technology adoption – Promoting SAR interferometry for high-resolution remote sensing.

b) Scientific Expeditions (2024): States like J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh led surveys to 40 high-risk lakes. ITBP deployed as manual early warning relay systems in high-altitude, inaccessible zones. Local traditions respected—highlighting the need for community inclusion in governance.

Challenges in GLOF Governance

1. Lack of transboundary coordination: Nepal’s July 2025 GLOF highlighted absence of early warnings from China. Regional cooperation under the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is needed.
2. Monitoring gaps: Limited weather stations; remote sensing is retrospective.
3. Data voids in rural cryosphere management.
4. Funding inadequacy: ₹20 crore insufficient for scale of threats across IHR.
5. Private sector and innovation: India lacks a strong ecosystem of cryosphere-focused tech providers and risk management startups.

Way Forward for Regional Resilience

1. Expand NDMA’s programme post 16th Finance Commission (FY2027–31).
2. Mandate GLOF EWS in all Himalayan hydropower projects.
3. Integrate GLOF risk in State Disaster Management Plans (SDMPs).
4. Strengthen Indo-Nepal, Indo-Bhutan, and Indo-China data-sharing protocols.
5. Boost R&D and PPP for Himalayan disaster tech.
6. Leverage Digital India to improve last-mile alert systems via SMS and community radio.

Conclusion

GLOFs are intensifying under climate change, threatening fragile Himalayan ecosystems. India’s NDMA-led, science-backed approach must be scaled and regionalised to ensure long-term resilience, cooperation, and sustainable disaster governance.