Centre Reviews Himalayan Preparedness Against GLOF and Avalanche Risks
Centre Reviews Himalayan Preparedness Against GLOF and Avalanche Risks
IN · Published Sep 4, 2026
The Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, conducted a high-level review of disaster preparedness in India's Himalayan states and Union Territories against Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and snow avalanches.
The meeting focused on early warning systems, monitoring vulnerable glacial lakes, identifying high-risk locations, and ensuring timely dissemination of alerts and evacuation preparedness.

Impact & Risks

India's Himalayan region contains approximately 7,500 glacial lakes, with nearly 200 identified as high-risk. These lakes pose significant threats to hydropower projects, highways, Army and ITBP posts, and densely populated valleys. A GLOF can result in catastrophic floods, travelling tens of kilometres within minutes, leaving little time for warnings or evacuations. The recent floods in Nepal serve as a stark reminder of the dangers, with rivers flowing into Bihar and Uttar Pradesh rising rapidly, putting border districts on alert. Climate change is exacerbating these risks by accelerating glacier shrinkage and destabilising slopes.

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