Uttarakhand has started work on its first glacial lake early warning system. The effort begins at Vasudhara Tal in Chamoli district. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan flagged off the expert team from the Secretariat. Notably, this is the first such scientific team for a glacial lake in the state. The expedition will run from 29 September to 15 October 2026.
Uttarakhand’s first glacial lake early warning system is being set up at Vasudhara Tal in Chamoli district.
Why an Early Warning System Is Needed
Glacial lakes form when glaciers melt and water collects behind loose debris. Sometimes, this natural dam breaks suddenly. Consequently, a huge flood rushes downstream. Experts call this a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, or GLOF. For instance, the South Lhonak lake outburst in Sikkim caused heavy damage in October 2023. Hence, early warnings can save many lives in Himalayan valleys.
How the System Will Work
The team will install modern sensors at Vasudhara Tal. Also, satellite communication will send data in real time. As a result, officials can track changes in the lake and its surroundings. If sensors spot unusual changes, alerts will reach the right agencies on time. In addition, USDMA has given the team satellite phones and Low Earth Orbit devices.
Who Is Part of the Expedition
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) runs this campaign. It works under the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme. Moreover, scientists from CBRI Roorkee and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology are on the team. Meanwhile, SDRF, NDRF and ITBP personnel will handle safety and field support.
13 High-Risk Glacial Lakes in Uttarakhand
Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman shared key data. According to NRSC data from 2023, the state has 344 glacial lakes. Furthermore, NDMA and technical bodies have marked 13 of these as high-risk lakes. Their district-wise spread is:
- Pithoragarh: 6 lakes
- Chamoli: 4 lakes
- Bageshwar: 1 lake
- Tehri Garhwal: 1 lake
- Uttarkashi: 1 lake
Bathymetric Surveys Completed
So far, teams have finished bathymetric surveys of six lakes. These surveys measure depth, water volume and other key data. Specifically, they cover Saraswati Tal and Vasudhara Tal in Chamoli. Also, they include Kedartal in Uttarkashi. Finally, they cover the Mabang, Pyungru and Syunkti Yankti lakes in Pithoragarh’s Darma Valley. Thus, the state now has a stronger base to assess GLOF risk.
Leaders on the Early Warning System
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the system an important step for disaster preparedness. Likewise, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan described it as a milestone. In turn, Disaster Management Minister Madan Kaushik said glacial lake monitoring is a state priority.
Why the Early Warning System Matters for UKPSC
Notably, disaster management is a core topic in UKPSC prelims and mains. So, remember the number of glacial lakes, the high-risk districts and the agencies involved. For official updates, also visit USDMA. Next, for a related story, read about the Saraswati Tal and Kedartal glacial lake survey. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
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