Uttarakhand Glacier Loss Accelerates, New Lake Raises Flood Risk Fears

Current Summary

Six glaciers in Uttarakhand's Bhilangana Valley have recorded steady loss of ice and mass, according to a September 2 ETV Bharat report, part of a broader pattern of accelerating glacier loss in the state that has also produced a new glacial lake raising GLOF concerns, per an earlier September 2 New Indian Express report. A further September 3 Daily Star report says 13 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand have been flagged as highly sensitive. On September 3, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory to Himalayan states, including Uttarakhand, urging them to monitor GLOF and avalanche risks, according to Asianet Newsable. A further September 3 New Indian Express report clarifies that this advisory was issued amid a recent glacial lake outburst flood disaster in Nepal, though details of that disaster are not disclosed. The same day, the Union Home Secretary reviewed the preparedness of Himalayan states and union territories, including Uttarakhand, against GLOF and snow avalanche risks, according to a Greater Kashmir report. A September 4 Kashmir Reader report adds that the MHA has specifically urged Himalayan states to move from response-oriented to risk-informed disaster planning. The reports do not disclose the monitoring agency, the names of the six glaciers, the exact rate of loss, the identities or locations of the 13 flagged lakes, specific downstream areas at risk, further specifics of the risk-informed planning measures ordered, the details of the Nepal disaster that prompted the advisory, or the outcomes of the Home Secretary's review.

What Changed

• 4 Sept, 05:20 am
  The Union Home Ministry has urged Himalayan states, including Uttarakhand, to shift from response-oriented to risk-informed disaster planning, according to a September 4 Kashmir Reader report, offering further detail on the GLOF and avalanche advisory issued to Himalayan states.
• 3 Sept, 03:10 pm
  A September 3 New Indian Express report clarifies that the MHA's advisory to Himalayan states on GLOF and avalanche preparedness was issued amid a recent glacial lake outburst flood disaster in Nepal, though further details of that disaster are not disclosed.
• 3 Sept, 02:50 pm
  The Union Home Secretary has reviewed the preparedness of Himalayan states and union territories, including Uttarakhand, against GLOF and snow avalanche risks, according to a September 3 Greater Kashmir report, following the earlier MHA advisory urging states to monitor such risks.
• 3 Sept, 12:10 pm
  The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory to Himalayan states, including Uttarakhand, urging them to monitor GLOF and avalanche risks, according to a September 3 Asianet Newsable report. The report does not disclose specific monitoring measures ordered for Uttarakhand or a compliance timeline.
• 3 Sept, 06:51 am
  Thirteen glacial lakes in Uttarakhand have been flagged as highly sensitive, according to a September 3 Daily Star report, adding a specific figure to the state's broader glacier loss and GLOF risk pattern.
• 2 Sept, 07:50 pm
  A September 2 ETV Bharat report identifies the location as Bhilangana Valley, where six glaciers have recorded steady loss of ice and mass — the first specific location disclosed for this ongoing glacier-monitoring concern.
• 2 Sept, 07:31 pm
  Signal detected: Uttarakhand Glacier Loss Accelerates, New Lake Raises Flood Risk Fears

Background

Uttarakhand's Himalayan glaciers feed major rivers including the Ganga and its tributaries, and glacial lake outburst floods have caused destructive flash floods in the region before.