About Glacial Lakes

Glacial Lakes are large water bodies located in front of, on top of, or beneath melting glaciers.

How are glacial lakes formed?

The movement of glaciers causes erosion and creates depressions in the surrounding topography. When they retreat, meltwater starts to accumulate in such depressions, giving birth to glacier lakes.

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods 

• GLOFs are sudden, often destructive floods caused by the rapid release of water from glacial lakes.

Causes of GLOFs

• Ice and debris avalanches: Triggered by seismic activity or unstable terrain, they can displace water and cause sudden flooding.
• Ice-dammed lakes: Melting or collapse of ice dams can release large amounts of water downstream.
• Earthquakes: Seismic events can destabilize lake boundaries, leading to dam failure.
• Volcanic eruptions: Can cause rapid ice melt, landslides, or lahars that impact glacial lakes.
• Human activities: Mining, construction, and deforestation can weaken natural structures and increase GLOF risks.

Vulnerable regions: Mountainous areas like the Himalayas, Andes, and Alps are especially prone due to high glacial activity and population density.

National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Mitigation Project (NGRMP)

• The project aims to reduce risks from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in vulnerable Himalayan states – Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.

Objectives

• Prevent loss of life and damage to infrastructure
• Strengthen EWS with last-mile connectivity
• Build local scientific and community-level capabilities
• Combine indigenous knowledge with advanced technology

Central Water Commission (CWC)

• Established in 1945, the CWC serves as an advisory body to the Government of India on water resources development and management.
• It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Focus areas include flood control, irrigation, navigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower development.
• CWC is responsible only for surface water, While Groundwater matters are handled by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).