The formation of a new glacial lake and the doubling of landslide-prone zones in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve pose significant risks to local communities and ecosystems. GLOFs can lead to sudden and devastating floods, threatening lives, infrastructure, and agricultural lands in the surrounding areas. The upper catchment of the Alaknanda river system, which flows through the reserve, is particularly vulnerable to such events. The presence of steep slopes and narrow valleys in the region further exacerbates the risk, as these geographical features can amplify the destructive impact of floods. Local communities and biodiversity in the reserve are at heightened risk due to these changes in the landscape.