Expansion of Himalayan Glacial Lakes Raises GLOF Risks

In November 2024, a new report by India’s Central Water Commission (CWC) reveals a 10.81% expansion in Himalayan glacial lakes from 2011 to 2024, with Indian lakes alone seeing a significant 33.7% increase, signaling increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

Key Points

Expansion in Glacial Lake Area: The report notes that India’s glacial lake area grew from 1,962 hectares in 2011 to 2,623 hectares in 2024, with certain lakes in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh expanding over 40%, placing them at high risk for GLOFs.
Climate Change and Accelerated Melting: Rising temperatures in the Himalayan region are driving faster glacial melt, leading to lake expansion. This poses severe risks to downstream communities, infrastructure, and local ecosystems.
Technological Advancements in Monitoring: The CWC leverages high-resolution satellite technology, including Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 imagery, enabling precise, all-weather monitoring with 10-meter accuracy.
Transboundary Collaboration Needed: Expanding glacial lakes across India’s borders in Bhutan, Nepal, and China pose transboundary risks. Collaborative monitoring and data sharing are essential to manage and mitigate GLOF impacts across shared river basins.
Enhanced Disaster Preparedness: The CWC’s report emphasizes the need for early warning systems, improved disaster management, and community awareness to protect vulnerable populations in the region.
Broader Implications on Water Resources: The expansion of glacial lakes impacts major rivers, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, affecting water availability and ecosystem stability in these river systems.