Glacier Retreat in Indian Himalayas Expands Glacial Lakes, Raises Flood Risks
• A study conducted by Dr. Aayushi Pandey from the Faculty of Science, Charles University, has revealed significant glacier retreat in the Indian Himalayas, particularly in the Alaknanda River Basin. Over the past 30 years, the surface area of 24 monitored glacial lakes expanded by 67%, and 57 new glacial lakes have formed, bringing the total to
• The research combined satellite imagery from 1994 to 2023 with direct field measurements, including a first-ever ground survey of Lake Balbala, located at 5,549 metres above sea level. The study highlights the growing hydrological changes in the region and emphasises the importance of field measurements for accurate risk assessments.
Impact & Risks
The rapid expansion of glacial lakes poses a significant risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which could severely impact downstream communities in the Indian Himalayas. The study warns that relying solely on remote sensing data may underestimate the hazards, as field measurements of lake depth and moraine stability are critical for accurate risk modelling. Such floods could lead to loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and disruption of livelihoods in the affected areas.
Related News