Image Source: Business Today
A silent crisis is unfolding in the Eastern Himalayas. Rapid glacier melting in Arunachal Pradesh has sparked urgent warnings from scientists and disaster management authorities, raising fears of potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) that could devastate downstream communities. With record levels of ice loss and expanding proglacial lakes, the region is now under close surveillance as experts scramble to assess risks and prepare mitigation strategies.
The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS), along with national research bodies, has launched high-altitude expeditions to monitor glacier health and lake stability, particularly around the Gorichen mountain region in Tawang district.
Key Indicators Of Glacier Retreat
- Scientists recorded a record 1.5 metre vertical ice melt at the Khangri Glacier using stake measurements
- Satellite data from Sentinel-2 shows significant retreat in the Mago Chu basin and expansion of proglacial lakes over the last decade
- Rani Lake, located near Gorichen Peak, has been flagged as a high-risk site for potential GLOF events
These findings point to a disturbing acceleration in glacier retreat, driven by rising global temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
The Threat Of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
GLOFs occur when the natural dam holding a glacial lake fails, releasing massive volumes of water downstream. The October 2023 disaster in Sikkim, triggered by a permafrost landslide into South Lhonak Lake, serves as a grim reminder. That event led to:
- A flood surge that traveled 385 km along the Teesta River into Bangladesh
- 55 confirmed deaths and 74 missing persons
- Extensive damage to infrastructure and hydropower facilities
Experts warn that a similar cascade could occur in Arunachal Pradesh if lakes like Rani Lake breach their moraine walls.
Scientific Expeditions And Risk Assessment
In April 2025, CESHS led a multi-agency expedition to assess Rani Lake and surrounding glacier systems. The team included scientists from:
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
- Union Ministry of Earth Sciences
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
Their activities included:
- Glacier mass balance measurements at 5032 meters above sea level
- Bathymetric surveys to determine lake depth and volume
- Terrain analysis to evaluate moraine stability and drainage pathways
- Installation and maintenance of water level sensors for real-time monitoring
The team also identified a site at Mirathang for establishing a permanent high-altitude research station to support long-term studies.
Expanding Lakes And Regional Vulnerability
According to the Central Water Commission’s latest report:
- 432 glacial lakes across India are showing expansion trends
- Arunachal Pradesh accounts for the highest number with 197 lakes flagged for monitoring
- Other vulnerable states include Ladakh (120), Jammu and Kashmir (57), and Sikkim (47)
These lakes, many of which are located above 4,500 meters, are poorly inventoried due to difficult terrain and limited technological access. Smaller glaciers, which dominate the region, are retreating faster and contributing to unstable lake formation.
Climate Change And Long-Term Implications
The shrinking of 110 glaciers in Arunachal Pradesh by 16.94 square kilometers over the past 32 years highlights the broader climate crisis. Beyond immediate flood risks, this retreat threatens:
- Long-term water availability for agriculture and hydropower
- Ecosystem stability in high-altitude zones
- Livelihoods of communities dependent on glacial-fed rivers
Researchers emphasize the need for robust early warning systems, community preparedness, and international collaboration to address the growing threat.
Conclusion: A Race Against Time In The Himalayas
Arunachal Pradesh’s melting glaciers are more than a scientific concern—they are a humanitarian and ecological emergency. As the region braces for potential GLOFs, the urgency to act has never been greater. From satellite surveillance to high-altitude expeditions, India is mobilizing its scientific and disaster response apparatus. But the real challenge lies in translating data into action before nature strikes again.
Sources: NDTV, News18, India Today NE
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