Says five glacial lakes in Kashmir classified as ‘very high’ flood risk
JAMMU, Mar 31: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that at least five glacial lakes in the Kashmir Himalaya have been identified with “very high susceptibility” to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), though they are not considered immediately unstable.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, as per news agency JKNS, CM Omar Abdullah stated that a preliminary geospatial study was conducted to map downstream exposure of glacial lakes, highlighting habitations and critical infrastructure at risk in districts such as Ganderbal, Shopian, and Kulgam.
The study, carried out by the University of Kashmir and published in the Journal of Glaciology, assessed 155 glacial lakes using hydro-geomorphic indicators, including lake expansion, dam stability, and surrounding terrain. According to the findings, a potential GLOF could impact approximately 2,704 buildings, 15 major bridges, road networks, and at least one hydropower project downstream.
“The lakes Bramsar, Chirsar, Nundkol, Gangabal, and Bhagsar have been classified under the ‘very high susceptibility’ category,” Abdullah said while responding to a question by National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq. He clarified that the classification indicates a higher likelihood of outburst under specific triggers, not an immediate threat.
The Chief Minister noted that the assessment establishes a baseline for understanding vulnerability and prioritising detailed future studies. He highlighted the gaps in precise risk estimation, pointing out that reliable bathymetric data on lake volumes—essential for accurate modeling—is currently unavailable for most Himalayan lakes.
To strengthen scientific assessment, the Department of Geo-informatics, University of Kashmir, with support from the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has procured a high-precision RTK-enabled robotic echosounding boat. Bathymetric surveys of high-risk lakes in the western Himalaya are planned for 2026 to improve hydrodynamic modeling and downstream risk evaluation.
Abdullah further outlined mitigation strategies, including continuous monitoring through remote sensing, early-warning systems, eco-zonation of downstream areas, and integration of GLOF scenarios into district disaster preparedness frameworks. Researchers are also working to develop tailored early-warning systems combining satellite monitoring, field observations, sensor-based hydro-meteorological inputs, and near real-time communication networks to ensure timely hazard alerts.
The Chief Minister stressed that these measures aim to protect lives, property, and infrastructure while enhancing disaster preparedness in vulnerable mountainous regions. (JKNS)
