| PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). Linkage: The article explicitly states that the NDMA has “markedly accelerated its efforts to manage these increasing risks” and initiated a “proactive shift from mere post-disaster response to risk reduction through its Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR)”. This directly links to the concept of “disaster resilience” and “Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR),” which are central to India’s preparedness strategy for GLOF events. |
Mentor’s Comment: On July 8, 2025, Nepal experienced a major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which triggered a flash flood along the Lende River, destroying a China-built friendship bridge and disabling four hydropower plants, cutting off 8% of Nepal’s power supply. This catastrophe highlights the growing threat of GLOFs due to glacial melt from rising temperatures in the Himalayas. The incident has raised concerns over the lack of trans-boundary early warning systems, particularly between China and Nepal. It also drew attention to India’s vulnerability, as the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) contains 7,500 glacial lakes, many at high risk of GLOF due to climate change, poor monitoring infrastructure, and lack of early warning systems. India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has responded by launching a national programme targeting 195 at-risk glacial lakes, focusing on hazard assessment, early warning systems, risk mitigation, and community engagement.
Today’s editorial analyses the major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Himalaya region. This topic is important for GS Paper III (Environment) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, Nepal faced a major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which led to a sudden flash flood along the Lende River.
What are GLOFs?
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What are their transboundary risks in the Himalayas?
- Trans-boundary Risk: GLOFs from upstream countries (e.g. China) can impact downstream nations (India, Nepal, Bhutan) without early warning. Eg: The July 2024 Tibetan GLOF damaged Nepal’s Rasuwagadhi hydropower project with no prior alert.
- Lack of Data Sharing: Minimal real-time data exchange between neighbours hampers early warning and risk management. Eg: Nepal got no warning from China during the 2024 GLOF.
How has climate change increased GLOF frequency in the IHR?
- Accelerated Glacier Melting: Rising temperatures cause glacier retreat and formation of unstable glacial lakes. Eg: Milam Glacier, Uttarakhand shows rapid retreat, increasing GLOF risk.
- Extreme Precipitation: Intense rainfall from climate change can overfill lakes, causing breaches. Eg: Gya GLOF (2014) in Ladakh followed heavy rainfall, damaging infrastructure.
- Increased Landslides: Thawing permafrost and unstable slopes trigger landslides into lakes, displacing water and causing GLOFs. Eg: 2013 Chorabari Glacier landslide near Kedarnath worsened the flood impact.
What measures has India taken for GLOF mitigation?
- Early Warning Systems (EWS): Installed to detect rising water levels and trigger alerts. Eg: EWS at South Lhonak Lake, Sikkim before 2023 GLOF.
- Satellite Monitoring: ISRO-NRSC use remote sensing to track glacial lakes. Eg: Monitored via Bhuvan portal in Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh.
- Risk Mapping: NMSHE identifies high-risk areas for targeted intervention. Eg: Studies in Kinnaur and Chamoli flagged vulnerable lakes.
- Engineering Measures: Lake drainage and structural control to prevent overflow. Eg: Work at Tsho Rolpa Lake (Nepal) as a replicable model.
- Community Preparedness: NDMA and states run drills and awareness programs. Eg: Mock drills in Uttarkashi and Kullu.
What are the gaps?
- Weak Early Warning Systems (EWS): India lacks real-time sensors, automated sirens, and alert mechanisms. Eg: No early alerts during Chamoli disaster (2021).
- Low Community Preparedness: Most villages in Sikkim and Uttarakhand lack evacuation protocols and disaster training.
- Poor Transboundary Coordination: Minimal data sharing with China hinders early action in regions like Arunachal Pradesh.
- Infrastructure Vulnerability: Bridges and dams not designed for GLOFs.
Eg: Chungthang dam breach (2023) exposed weak infrastructure. - Limited Scientific Capacity: Shortage of glaciologists, risk modelers, and ground validation limits NDMA’s effectiveness.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Early Warning Systems: Deploy real-time sensors, sirens, and automated alerts in high-risk zones.
- Enhance Transboundary Cooperation: Establish formal data-sharing agreements with China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
- Build Local Preparedness: Conduct regular community drills, awareness drives, and evacuation planning.
- Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Design dams, bridges, and power projects to withstand GLOF surges.
- Invest in Research & Capacity: Train glaciologists, improve satellite-ground integration, and support Himalayan climate studies.
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