Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Uttarakhand Orders Monitoring of 13 Sensitive Glacial Lakes
Uttarakhand has identified 13 mountain lakes that could become dangerous.
The government wants experts to watch these lakes carefully.
They will measure water levels, lake sizes, and changes in the surrounding land.
New sensors and warning systems may alert people if a lake becomes unsafe.
Officials will also improve communication, evacuation routes, and rescue plans.
District officials must quickly report unusual changes.
Four lakes have already been studied, and experts will soon visit Saraswati Tal and Kedartal.
The plan was strengthened after a glacier-lake disaster and floods in Nepal.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered stronger monitoring of 13 glacial lakes identified as sensitive in Uttarakhand.
Officials must conduct scientific surveys assessing lake conditions, water levels, size changes, terrain stability, and risk zones.
Authorities will install early warning systems, sensors, water-level gauges, communication systems, and real-time data facilities where needed.
District magistrates must monitor high-risk areas, report unusual activity, and improve evacuation, rescue, and local warning preparations.
Four lake surveys are complete, while expert teams will soon assess Saraswati Tal and Kedartal and educate nearby residents about safety procedures.
- Who
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, district magistrates, and expert teams.
- What
- The government ordered enhanced scientific monitoring, surveys, warning systems, and emergency preparations for 13 sensitive glacial lakes.
- When
- The directives were issued on Thursday; additional surveys will take place in phases.
- Where
- Across Uttarakhand, including Saraswati Tal in Chamoli district and Kedartal in Uttarkashi district.
- Why
- To reduce potential disaster risks in Uttarakhand's mountainous areas, following concern about a recent disaster and floods in Nepal.
- Sensitive lakes
- 13 glacial lakes have been identified as sensitive in Uttarakhand.
- Completed surveys
- Four sensitive lakes have already been surveyed.
- Upcoming surveys
- Expert teams will soon survey Saraswati Tal in Chamoli and Kedartal in Uttarkashi.
- Assessment areas
- Surveys will examine lake conditions, water levels, size or volume changes, terrain stability, risk susceptibility, and downstream impacts.
- Warning technology
- Planned measures include early warning systems, modern sensors, water-level gauges, communication systems, and real-time data feeds.
- Emergency readiness
- Authorities will strengthen evacuation routes, local warnings, communication networks, relief operations, and rescue preparedness.
- Public awareness
- Residents in sensitive areas will be informed about potential hazards and disaster safety procedures.
