In a first, two expert teams have been deployed to six high-risk glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh to evaluate the potential threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF).
The mission aims to assess these remote water bodies and explore ways to implement mitigation measures, according to official sources.
The high-risk lakes, located in the elevated terrains of Tawang and Dibang Valley districts, sit more than 11,000 feet above sea level.
The mission marks the initial phase of a broader strategy targeting the 27 glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh identified by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as high-risk.
The team assigned to Tawang, led by Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang, embarked on August 19.
Their expedition will cover the Mago area in Thingbu circle, along with two additional lakes in Jang and Zemithang sub-divisions.
In Dibang Valley, another team under the leadership of District Disaster Management Officer Kabang Lego set out from Anini to assess two glacial lakes in Mipi circle.
These lakes, though categorised as 'C' (low risk) by the NDMA, still pose a GLOF threat.
The comprehensive mission will span 12 days, during which the teams will gather critical data on accessibility, geographical coordinates, lake boundaries, surface area, elevation, and the proximity of human habitations.
This data will aid the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the Indian Meteorological Department in installing automatic early warning systems and weather stations.
Once the initial assessments are completed, the Dibang Valley team will proceed to Etalin circle, where a 'Category A' (high-risk) glacial lake demands urgent attention.
The aim is to reduce the potential for catastrophic floods similar to the South Lhonak lake disaster in Sikkim in October 2023.
This initiative forms part of the NDMA’s broader efforts to mitigate GLOF risks in the Himalayan region.
Working alongside national technical and research institutions, the NDMA has mapped out high-risk glacial lakes across the region, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
Arunachal Pradesh has been identified as a particular area of concern, with 27 high-risk lakes spread across five districts: Tawang (6), Kurung Kumey (1), Shi Yomi (1), Dibang Valley (16), and Anjaw (3).
The potential for GLOF in these areas necessitates the installation of advanced early warning systems and weather stations to avert disasters and protect lives and property downstream.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has been designated as the lead technical agency for this critical project.
Their efforts will be crucial in ensuring the safety and preparedness of communities in the vulnerable regions of Arunachal Pradesh.
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