Sikkim tells us to be very careful before allowing any new hydropower project in the Himalayas

Source: The post is based on the article “Sikkim tells us to be very careful before allowing any new hydropower project in the Himalayas” published in The Times of India on 7^th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment – Climate Change

Relevance: concerns with Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Sikkim

News: Sikkim has recently faced Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

What could have triggered the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Sikkim?

Read Here: Glacial lake outburst flood kills 14 in Sikkim, 102 people missing: What is GLOF, and why does it happen?

Moreover, satellite imagery suggests heavy precipitation caused the avalanche to partially breach the lake, releasing a significant volume of water. Post-disaster satellite images also show floating ice chunks in the lake.

Therefore, the risk still persists for downstream villages and towns in Sikkim, as the lake didn’t completely breach.

How is climate change causing Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?

First, global warming is causing glaciers to melt more rapidly, leading to the formation of pro-glacial lakes. These lakes are often held back by fragile moraine dams, which can easily break, leading to potential hazards.

Second, climate change is causing more heavy precipitation and heatwaves. Heavy precipitation makes pro-glacial lakes more susceptible to breaches, as was seen in the Kedarnath disaster in 2013.

How vulnerable is the Himalayan range?

The Himalayas are highly vulnerable to climate change, warming faster than the global average due to their high altitude. This results in accelerated glacier melt, reduced winter snow cover, and thawing permafrost.

These changes contribute to slope instability, land subsidence, and other hazards. Studies also predict that glacier and snow melt will increase river water until around 2050.

Are hydropower projects worth in this seismologically vulnerable region?

India heavily relies on coal for 55% of its energy, but it has significant untapped hydropower potential, with only 30% currently utilized.

Hence, expanding hydropower can reduce black carbon emissions and boost the economy. However, rigorous assessments of these projects for natural hazards like floods, landslides, and earthquakes are crucial.

Satellite-based remote sensing can be used to study the areas upstream of any hydropower plant, and we need to bring in experts when building it in the Himalayas to enhance safety and sustainability.

How can human settlements and existing projects be safeguarded in the Himalayan region?

First, ISRO has identified a list of potentially dangerous pro-glacial lakes in the Himalayas. These lakes need to be watched closely, especially those near settlements and infrastructure.

Second, countries like Peru and Nepal, use machines to drain water from dangerous pro-glacial lakes in a controlled way. India could start doing the same thing, with necessary changes.

Third, India also needs to install high-altitude weather stations to improve weather forecasts and develop skills in glaciology.

Fourth, despite 40,000 glaciers in the Himalayas, only a few are monitored. Hence, early warning systems need to be installed in sensitive areas so that people living downstream have time to evacuate if a glacier bursts.

Fifth, there is also a need to control new settlements and development projects in the Himalayas, and only allow them to proceed after a thorough assessment of their impact on the local environment and communities.