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Uttarakhand to Survey Sensitive Glacial Lakes for GLOF Risk Assessment

Source:etvbharat ↗

Why It Matters

Directly relevant for UKPSC aspirants studying state-specific geography, high-altitude ecosystems, disaster management, and climate change vulnerabilities in the Himalayas.

Summary

Expert teams are set to visit five highly sensitive glacial lakes in Uttarakhand starting September 8 to study potential risks, particularly Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), in the fragile Himalayan region to enhance disaster preparedness and environmental management.

Key Points

  • Expert teams are scheduled to visit five highly sensitive glacial lakes in Uttarakhand to conduct comprehensive studies starting September 8.
  • The initiative aims to assess the risks associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
  • Uttarakhand faces severe vulnerability to climate change-induced disasters, making monitoring of high-altitude glacial lakes critical for disaster management and mitigation.

Important Terms

Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

A sudden release of a vast volume of water and debris from a glacial lake, caused by the failure of a natural moraine dam or ice barrier, posing severe flood threats to downstream Himalayan regions.

UPSC context

Crucial for UPSC GS Paper III (Disaster Management, Environmental Ecology) — tests understanding of high-altitude cryosphere hazards, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA)

The apex state-level body responsible for disaster mitigation, vulnerability mapping, planning, and coordinating emergency response mechanisms across disaster-prone districts in Uttarakhand.

UPSC context

Important for Uttarakhand PCS (UKPSC) General Studies (State Administration and Disaster Management policies) — tests knowledge of institutional frameworks for disaster risk reduction.

Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology

A premier research institution based in Dehradun designated as a nodal agency for geological and glaciological assessments, focusing on Himalayan tectonic and cryospheric hazards like unstable glacial lakes.

UPSC context

Important for UKPSC Paper V / Geography & Environment — tests knowledge of institutional research bodies tracking climate change and geological risks in the state.

Prelims Trap

Uttarakhand has only 13 glacial lakes in total, all of which fall under the Class A risk category.

Aspirants often confuse the total number of glacial lakes with the number of sensitive or Class A risk lakes identified in Uttarakhand.

Static Concepts Connected

Uttarakhand Geography & Disaster Management

What are the key institutional mechanisms and risk classification standards for managing Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in India?

  • Risk Classification: NDMA Guidelines classify glacial lakes based on potential risk levels, with Class A representing the highest threat category requiring immediate monitoring and mitigation.
  • Scientific Agencies: Key scientific bodies like the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and Central Water Commission provide technical expertise for remote sensing and field surveys.
  • Mitigation Project: The National GLOF Risk Mitigation Project (NGRMP) integrates structural measures, automated early warning systems, and community-based disaster preparedness in high-altitude zones.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • GLOF Risk Assessment + Himalayan Hydropower Vulnerability

    Glacial lake risk assessments connect directly to watershed management, disaster response infrastructure under NDMA guidelines, and hydropower project clearances in upper Himalayan catchments.

  • Early Warning Systems + Mountain Ecology

    The integration of remote sensing, drones, and sensor networks for early warnings bridges environmental ecology with technology missions in fragile mountain states.

Expect match-the-following or statement-based questions on NDMA GLOF risk categories, key glacial lakes, and collaborating scientific institutions.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following is the correct order of rivers from west to east in Uttarakhand?

  • 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following stream is the tributary of Girthi river in Uttarakhand ?