Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Study Finds Expanding Arunachal Lakes Raise High GLOF Risk
Scientists studied 127 high-altitude lakes in Arunachal Pradesh.
They found that two lakes have a high risk of suddenly releasing large amounts of water.
This kind of event is called a glacial lake outburst flood, or GLOF.
Another 36 lakes were considered medium risk, while 89 were low risk.
The riskiest lakes are in areas including Upper Dibang Valley, West Kameng and Tawang.
Some lakes have become larger as glaciers melt and retreat.
The area covered by potentially dangerous lakes grew between 1988 and 2020, even though their number slightly decreased.
Officials say the lakes and nearby avalanche-prone areas should be watched carefully so people can receive warnings and evacuate quickly.
A study assessed 127 high-altitude lakes in Arunachal Pradesh and identified two as high risk for glacial lake outburst floods.
The assessment classified 36 lakes as medium risk and 89 as low risk.
Medium- and high-risk lakes are concentrated in Upper Dibang Valley, West Kameng and Tawang.
Potentially dangerous glacial lakes covered 110.72 hectares in 1988 and 125.93 hectares in 2020, although their number fell from 24 to 22.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan called for continuous monitoring, faster warnings and effective evacuation planning in vulnerable Himalayan areas.
- Who
- Researchers who assessed 127 lakes in Arunachal Pradesh; Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan also reviewed preparedness with Himalayan states and Union Territories.
- What
- A study identified two high-risk and 36 medium-risk lakes for glacial lake outburst floods and documented changes in glacial lake size.
- When
- The study compared satellite data from 1988 to 2020; preparedness was reviewed on Thursday.
- Where
- Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Upper Dibang Valley, West Kameng and Tawang, as well as other Himalayan areas.
- Why
- Glacier retreat, rising temperatures and expanding high-altitude lakes could increase the risk of sudden floods affecting downstream settlements and hydropower infrastructure.
- Lakes assessed
- 127 high-altitude lakes in Arunachal Pradesh
- Risk classification
- Two high risk, 36 medium risk and 89 low risk
- Potentially dangerous lakes in 1988
- 24 lakes covering 110.72 hectares
- Potentially dangerous lakes in 2020
- 22 lakes covering 125.93 hectares
- Main concentration of risk
- Upper Dibang Valley, West Kameng and Tawang
- Study method
- Multitemporal satellite data
- Recommended preparedness
- Continuous monitoring, faster warning systems and effective evacuation planning