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Uttarakhand installs first-ever glacial lake early-warning system
30 Sep
Summary
- First early-warning system for glacial lakes installed at Vasundhara Tal.
- System will monitor water level, weather, snow, and lake movement.
- Installation aims to reduce risk from glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
Weeks after a major disaster in Nepal, Uttarakhand is deploying its first early-warning system for glacial lakes at Vasundhara Tal in Chamoli. This initiative is a crucial step towards real-time monitoring, aiming to significantly reduce the risks associated with glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
A scientific team is installing the system, which will track water levels, weather conditions, snow depth, and any movement around the lake. Data will be transmitted via satellite, with alerts generated when predetermined thresholds are crossed.
This effort follows the identification of 13 high-risk glacial lakes in Uttarakhand by the National Disaster Management Authority, with Vasundhara Tal being among the highest-risk category. The installation marks a shift from initial surveys to deploying instruments for continuous monitoring.
The state government emphasizes that the system will enable continuous monitoring of environmental and hydrological changes, allowing for timely safety and rescue measures. This proactive approach seeks to protect downstream settlements, infrastructure, and hydropower projects from potential GLOF impacts.
