GLOF threat: Uttarakhand to install early warning systems at 13 high-risk lakes

Uttarakhand's Chief Minister has instructed officials to set up advanced sensors and warning systems at 13 high-risk glacial lakes in the Himalayas. The state has already identified four lakes for surveys, with assessments of the remaining nine to follow in stages. Experts are set to inspect Saraswati Tal in Chamoli and Kedartal in Uttarkashi districts to evaluate lake conditions, water levels, terrain changes, potential hazards, and downstream impact.

While monitoring and warning systems are essential, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for comprehensive risk mitigation, including identifying vulnerable zones, mapping impacted areas, creating safe evacuation routes, improving communication networks, and boosting local warning mechanisms. A review meeting with district magistrates was held on Thursday, instructing them to monitor high-risk areas and report any unusual activity.

The government is also developing an end-to-end response mechanism that includes detection, warning, evacuation, relief, rescue, continuous monitoring, advanced sensors, real-time data collection, expanded monitoring, and alternative emergency communication channels. This initiative aligns with the Centre's ₹150-crore National GLOF Risk Mitigation Project, approved in February 2025, for Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand.