EXPANSION
OF GLACIAL LAKES IN INDIA: GEOGRAPHY
NEWS: Himalayan
glacial lakes saw 10.81% area expansion from 2011 to 2024: Report
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
Glacial lakes in India have expanded by 33.7%
from 2011 to 2024, increasing risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
This growth, driven by climate-induced glacial melting, poses threats to nearby
communities and ecosystems.
Increase
in Glacial Lake Area
- Glacial lakes and water
bodies in the Himalayan region expanded by 10.81% from 2011 to
2024.
- This expansion is attributed
to climate change, increasing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
(GLOFs).
Significant
Expansion in India
- Glacial lakes in India
specifically saw a 33.7% increase in area from 1,962 hectares
(2011) to 2,623 hectares (2024).
- 67 lakes in India experienced over 40%
increase in surface area, classifying them as high-risk for potential
GLOFs.
High-Risk
Areas in India
- Regions with notable lake
expansions include Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim,
and Arunachal Pradesh.
- These areas are now at an
elevated risk, requiring increased monitoring and disaster preparedness
measures.
Causes
of Lake Expansion
- Rising temperatures have
accelerated glacial melting, contributing to the expansion of glacial
lakes.
- This poses a threat to
downstream communities, infrastructure, and biodiversity.
Monitoring
and Technology
- The Central Water
Commission (CWC) uses Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2
multispectral satellite imagery for monitoring glacial lakes.
- These satellites provide 10-meter
accuracy, allowing CWC to detect changes in lake size in real time and
even under cloud cover.
Transboundary
Risks and Cooperation
- Expanding glacial lakes also
pose risks to neighboring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and China.
- The CWC report emphasizes
the importance of joint monitoring, data sharing, and transboundary
cooperation for effective risk assessment and mitigation.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/himalayan-glacial-lakes-saw-1081-area-expansion-from-2011-to-2024-report/article68825163.ece#:~:text=Himalayan%20glacial%20lakes%20saw%2010.81,to%202024%3A%20Report%20%2D%20The%20Hindu