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- Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directs GLOF hazard assessment expedition in J&K
SRINAGAR: In a proactive move to address the growing risks associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has directed a team from the Department of Geography & Disaster Management at the University of Kashmir to conduct a Geographical Field Expedition of the Sheeshnag and Sonasar glacial lakes. This initiative, facilitated by the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR), aims to prepare a comprehensive GLOF hazard assessment for these critical water bodies.
- Leadership and Objective of the Expedition
The expedition was led by Prof. Pervez Ahmed, Head of the Department of Geography & Disaster Management at the University of Kashmir. Prof. Ahmed is also a member of the Focused Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Monitoring Committee (FGMC), which was recently established by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to implement effective mitigation measures for overflowing glacial lakes. The FGMC is chaired by Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti.
- Findings and Future Directions
Following the field expedition, a detailed presentation was made to the FGMC, outlining the major findings and future possibilities regarding GLOF threats in the region. A comprehensive preliminary report was subsequently submitted to the Chairman of FGMC for further deliberation and action planning.
In the next phase, the DMRR&R plans to install Early Warning Systems (EWS) designed to generate real-time alerts at many at-risk glacial lakes in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative will be executed in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and a technical partner.
- The Impact of Climate Change on Himalayan Glaciers
Himalayan glaciers are experiencing rapid melting due to climate change, with significant warming trends observed in the 21st century. This accelerated melting has led to the formation and expansion of glacial lakes, which pose a growing risk of catastrophic outburst floods. Projections indicate that up to 65% of the ice mass in High Mountain Asia could disappear by the end of the century, significantly increasing the risks associated with GLOFs.
- Urgent Need for Enhanced Monitoring and Risk Management
The expedition conducted by the team from the University of Kashmir underscores the urgent need for improved monitoring and risk management strategies to tackle the escalating threat of GLOFs in the Himalayas. Efforts to expand the mitigation program are currently being expedited. Moreover, the region is known for highly localized heavy rainfall events, prompting intensified efforts to enhance predictive capabilities for such occurrences in collaboration with relevant agencies.---
- Conclusion
The initiative led by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and the University of Kashmirâs Department of Geography & Disaster Management highlights the commitment to safeguarding communities from GLOFs and other climate-related hazards in Jammu and Kashmir. By implementing effective monitoring systems and risk management strategies, the government aims to protect lives and infrastructure in a region increasingly affected by climate change.
