Melting glaciers in the Himalayas are creating serious risks for rivers and local communities in India. This issue is especially concerning on International Day of Action for Rivers, celebrated on March 14.
Recent studies by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) show a significant rise in the number of glacial lakes over the past few decades. From 1984 to 2023, around 676 glacial lakes larger than 10 hectares have been observed, with 130 located in India. Alarmingly, about 89% of these lakes have more than doubled in size.
In India, the total area covered by glacial lakes has also increased. It grew from 1,995 hectares in 2011 to an estimated 2,445 hectares by 2025—a 22.56% rise in just over a decade. This growth raises concerns about Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can occur when a lake bursts its natural dam of rock and debris.
Professor Bindya Vasini Pandey from the University of Delhi highlights that melting glaciers due to climate change lead to the formation of these dangerous lakes. His team plans a study in the Yamunotri area to evaluate the stability of these lakes and gather insights from local communities who have witnessed the changes firsthand.
Recent flash floods in Uttarakhand, attributed to collapsing glacier ice rather than rainfall, underline the urgency of this situation. ISRO’s findings show that a massive ice section from the Srikanta Glacier broke off, triggering a flood that caused widespread damage. This indicates the kind of dangers communities might face as more lakes form and grow unstable.
Government reports detail the scope of the problem, revealing over 28,000 glacial lakes in the Himalayan region, with 7,570 in India alone. Of these, 428 lakes are considered in need of close monitoring. Notably, Arunachal Pradesh has the highest number of lakes, with 181.
Scientists warn that 67 of these lakes have expanded by over 40%, placing them at the highest risk of bursting. The situation is worsened by about 307 lakes backed by unstable debris that could easily collapse. This makes effective monitoring a significant challenge.
Research reveals that since 2000, glacier melting in the Himalayas has sharply accelerated, with an estimated eight billion tons of ice lost yearly. This has led to less snowfall in the region, crucial for the rivers fed by these glaciers. Experts predict that if warming continues, major rivers like the Ganga and Indus could transition from perennial to seasonal, severely affecting water supply for drinking, farming, and hydroelectric power.
Pollution, especially black carbon (soot), also influences glacier melting by darkening their surfaces and increasing heat absorption.
The economic impact of floods caused by glacial activities is significant. Hridyesh Joshi, founder of Eco N Energy Talk, explains that the ramifications extend beyond immediate harm. Floods can disrupt agriculture and business while leading to long-term infrastructure damage.
To address these risks, the government has introduced the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme. This initiative includes monitoring vulnerable lakes and installing early warning systems in high-risk areas like Tawang and parts of Sikkim. These preventive measures, combined with research, will be essential to safeguard the delicate Himalayan ecosystem for the future.
As more data comes to light, it’s clear that addressing the threat of glacial lakes is a pressing concern for environmental policy and local safety. Understanding these changes is crucial for creating effective solutions to protect both nature and communities.
For more information on the risks associated with glacial lakes and their impacts, you can check the Central Water Commission.
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GLACIERS, LAKES, MORAINES, DAMS, RIVERS, MELTING HIMALAYAN GLACIERS, INCREASING GLACIAL LAKES THREAT TO INDIAN RIVER SYSTEMS
