Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Uttarakhand Resumes Glacial Lake Surveys Amid Rising Himalayan Flood Risks
Uttarakhand has many frozen-water lakes high in the Himalayas.
If one of these lakes suddenly breaks, a powerful flood could rush downhill.
Officials have identified 13 lakes as especially dangerous.
They have studied four of them and are working on the other nine.
The government says it will install warning systems and teach people what to do.
A senior official criticized the slow progress of the surveys.
Warmer temperatures may increase the danger, according to the official.
The Centre has approved ₹30 crore for an early warning system.
Heavy rain has already caused deaths, landslides and flooding in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand has identified 13 dangerous glacial lakes requiring impact assessments.
Surveys have been completed at four lakes, while nine remain under study.
The government plans early warning systems and awareness programmes in vulnerable areas.
More than 1,200 glacial lakes exist across Uttarakhand’s high-altitude Himalayan range.
Heavy rain killed at least seven people and caused landslides across Uttarakhand on Tuesday.
- Who
- The Uttarakhand government, Geological Survey of India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and other organisations are conducting the surveys.
- What
- Officials are assessing 13 dangerous glacial lakes and planning early warning systems and public awareness programmes.
- When
- The 13 lakes were identified four years ago; four have been surveyed, with the report discussed in 2022 and again in 2024. Heavy rain caused deaths on Tuesday.
- Where
- Across Uttarakhand’s high-altitude Himalayan range, particularly in lake catchment areas and affected roads.
- Why
- The measures aim to warn and protect communities from possible Glacial Lake Outburst Floods as temperatures rise and flood risks increase.
Government Position
Critics’ Concerns
Survey progress
Government Position
Officials say four dangerous lakes have been surveyed and work on the remaining nine is underway.
Critics’ Concerns
A senior state government officer said only four lakes had been surveyed in four years and criticized the delayed decision-making.
Public safety preparations
Government Position
The government plans to strengthen monitoring, install early warning systems and conduct awareness programmes.
Critics’ Concerns
The officer argued that difficult Himalayan terrain should not excuse delays because residents need protection from potentially severe floods.
Risk assessment
Government Position
Officials are proceeding with assessments and planned warning systems after renewed concern about flood risks.
Critics’ Concerns
The officer said some lakes had shifted about 1 kilometre, rising temperatures were worsening the danger and even a minor breach could cause an enormous Glacial Lake Outburst Flood.
- Dangerous lakes identified
- 13 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand
- Survey progress
- Four lakes surveyed; nine remain to be studied
- Total glacial lakes
- More than 1,200 across Uttarakhand’s high-altitude Himalayan range
- Lakes spanning 1,000 square metres
- 426 glacial lakes
- Early-warning funding
- The Centre approved ₹30 crore for Uttarakhand
- Recent rain-related deaths
- At least seven people died in Uttarakhand on Tuesday
- Planned measures
- Early warning systems and awareness programmes in vulnerable areas