Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Govt monitoring 2,485 glacial lakes in Himalayan river basins
The Indian government is keeping an eye on 2,485 big glacial lakes in the Himalayas using special technology.
They check these lakes from June to October every year.
Out of these, 56 lakes are considered very dangerous because they could cause big floods.
The government is working on setting up warning systems to alert people if these lakes become a threat.
They have spent a lot of money to study and protect these areas, but there is still more work to be done to keep everyone safe.
The government monitors 2,485 glacial lakes in the Himalayan river basins using remote sensing techniques.
56 glacial lakes have been classified as very high risk based on a 2025 scientific assessment.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is implementing the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme (NGRMP) in four states and two Union Territories.
The NGRMP has a budget of Rs 150 crore, with Rs 52.50 crore allocated for Monitoring and Early Warning Systems.
Multi-agency expeditions were conducted to high-risk glacial lakes in Sikkim to develop monitoring and early warning mechanisms.
- Who
- Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Central Water Commission (CWC), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- What
- Monitoring of 2,485 glacial lakes in the Himalayan river basins, classification of 56 lakes as very high risk, and initiation of GLOF Early Warning Systems (EWS)
- When
- Monitoring occurs from June to October every year; scientific assessment conducted in 2025; NGRMP approved in 2024
- Where
- Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and two Union Territories
- Why
- To mitigate the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and protect downstream habitations and infrastructure
Proactive Monitoring and Mitigation
Potential Risks and Challenges
Effectiveness of Monitoring
Proactive Monitoring and Mitigation
The government's use of remote sensing techniques and scientific assessments is a proactive approach to monitor glacial lakes and mitigate risks.
Potential Risks and Challenges
Despite monitoring efforts, the lack of commissioned end-to-end GLOF Early Warning Systems (EWS) poses a significant risk to downstream communities.
Funding and Implementation
Proactive Monitoring and Mitigation
The allocation of Rs 150 crore for the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme (NGRMP) demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing the issue.
Potential Risks and Challenges
The limited funding for Monitoring and Early Warning Systems (Rs 52.50 crore) may not be sufficient to cover all high-risk areas effectively.
- Number of Glacial Lakes Monitored
- 2,485
- Very High Risk Lakes
- 56
- Monitoring Period
- June to October every year
- Scientific Assessment Year
- 2025
- NGRMP Approval Year
- 2024
- NGRMP Budget
- Rs 150 crore
- Monitoring and Early Warning System Budget
- Rs 52.50 crore
- High-Risk Lakes Assessed
- 189