Mitigation of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Jammu & Kashmir
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | The Jammu and Kashmir government is implementing measures to mitigate Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). |
| Geographical Vulnerability | High-altitude glaciers and lakes make the region vulnerable to GLOFs. Rising global temperatures accelerate glacier melting, forming glacial lakes that risk sudden breaches, threatening downstream communities. |
| Mitigation Strategy | Proactive, technologically advanced measures include expeditions, data collection, bathymetric surveys, water sampling, meteorological data collection, and categorization of glacial lakes based on 17 parameters. |
| Focused Monitoring Committee (FGMC) | Oversees mitigation strategies. Identified 14 high-risk, 3 moderate-risk, and 7 low-risk glacial lakes. Conducted expeditions to high-risk lakes like Sheeshnag and Sonsar. |
| Future Plans | Expand mitigation efforts, improve heavy rainfall prediction, train NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and Aapda Mitras (local disaster response volunteers). |
| Scientific Expeditions | Led by Central University of Jammu, analyzed three high-risk lakes in Kishtwar district: Mundiksar Lake, Hangu Lake, and an unnamed glacial lake. Provided data on lake conditions, environmental factors, and GLOF risks. |