After the Teesta-III Hydroelectric dam collapsed in October 2023, the Central Water Commission (CWC) decided to review the flood management plans of all dams that could be affected by GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods).
Objective
- The review aims to ensure these dams can handle extreme flood situations, including both Probable Maximum Floods and GLOFs.
- From now on, GOLF Studies has been made mandatory for all new dams planned having Glacial Lakes in their catchments.
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Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR)
- A committee under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) works with representatives from six Himalayan states and other stakeholders.
- This committee has identified high-risk glacial lakes and plans to send teams to these lakes to develop strategies for reducing disaster risks, including setting up early warning systems.
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The Central Water Commission (CWC)
- The CWC monitors 902 glacial lakes and water bodies every year from June to October, including large lakes over 50 hectares and smaller ones between 10 to 50 hectares.
- This monitoring helps track changes in these lakes and identify any that might pose a disaster risk
What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods?
- A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is a severe flood event that occurs when the natural or artificial dam holding a glacial lake breaks.
- It releases a significant volume of water downstream.
Main Features of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
- Sudden Water Releases : GLOFs involve abrupt and occasionally cyclical discharges of water.
- Rapid Duration : These floods typically occur quickly, lasting from hours to a few days.
- River Discharges: GLOFs lead to significant increases in downstream river flows, often multiplying by an order of magnitude.
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Causes of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
- Trigger Factors: rapid glacier melting, heavy rainfall, inflow of meltwater, changes in glacier volume, lake water levels, or earthquakes.
- Climate Change Impact: Glacier retreat in the Hindu Kush Himalayas due to climate change is leading to the formation of new glacial lakes, increasing GLOF risk.
GLOF Risk Mitigation Project
- Leadership: This project was approved by a High-Level Committee led by the Union Home Minister.
- Focus Areas
- Supported States: The project targets Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Objective: To implement preventive measures and reduce the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in these states.
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Impacts of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
| Impact |
Description |
| Sudden Flash Floods |
- GLOFs can cause massive surges of water and debris to surge down valleys with little warning.
- This can overwhelm river channels and cause catastrophic flooding downstream.
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| Widespread Property Damage and Loss of Life |
- The immense volume and power of GLOFs can destroy houses, buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure.
- This can lead to significant economic losses.
- The sudden nature of GLOFs can make it difficult for people to evacuate to safety, leading to tragic loss of life.
- Additionally, survivors may be displaced from their homes and communities.
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| Disruption of Essential Services |
- GLOFs can damage critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment plants, and communication networks.
- This can disrupt essential services and hinder rescue and recovery efforts.
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| Environmental Damage |
- GLOFs can cause erosion, sedimentation, and contamination of water sources.
- This can have a devastating impact on aquatic ecosystems and agricultural land.
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| Long-Term Impacts |
- The effects of GLOFs can be felt for years or even decades.
- Rebuilding infrastructure, restoring ecosystems, and coping with psychological trauma can be a long and challenging process.
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Central Water Commission
- It is a premier Technical Organization of India in the field of Water Resources and is presently functioning as an attached office of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India.
- The Commission is entrusted with the general responsibilities of initiating, coordinating and furthering in consultation of the State Governments concerned, schemes for control, conservation and utilization of water resources throughout the country, for purpose of Flood Control, Irrigation, Navigation, Drinking Water Supply and Water Power Development.
- It also undertakes the investigations, construction and execution of any such schemes as required.
- Central Water Commission CWC is headed by a Chairman, with the status of Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India.
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August 10, 2024
