Archive · 2 Sep 2026
India Faces Risks From Unmapped Himalayan Hanging Glaciers
Some glaciers in the Himalayas sit on very steep mountain slopes instead of flowing smoothly into valleys.
These are called hanging glaciers.
If one breaks, ice, rocks and water can rush downhill very quickly.
Such events can cause destructive floods and debris flows.
A 2021 disaster in Chamoli showed how dangerous this can be.
Experts say warming temperatures are making Himalayan glaciers recede and may increase the risk of more disasters.
India may have around 900 hanging glaciers, but there is no complete official count.
Scientists want every glacier and valley mapped and watched carefully.
They also want communities and authorities to prepare for possible floods.
India may have about 900 hanging glaciers, though no official nationwide count exists.
A study identified 219 hanging glaciers in the Alaknanda basin of the Garhwal Himalayas.
The February 2021 Chamoli rock-ice avalanche showed how glacier collapses can trigger deadly downstream hazards.
Experts say global warming is accelerating glacier retreat and increasing the risk of collapses.
Researchers recommend high-resolution mapping, glacier observatories, flood assessments and stronger disaster planning.
- Who
- Indian authorities, glacier researchers and Himalayan communities are involved; Dr Saraswati Prakash Sati provided expert comments.
- What
- The article warns that India lacks comprehensive information and preparedness for collapses of potentially dangerous hanging glaciers.
- When
- The article cites the February 2021 Chamoli avalanche, the 2025 Dharali disaster and a Nepal disaster on August 26; the referenced study was published in April.
- Where
- The concern covers the Indian Himalayas, including the Alaknanda basin in Uttarakhand and the area east of Badrinath Temple.
- Why
- Global warming is causing glaciers to recede, while inadequate mapping, monitoring and disaster planning could worsen the effects of future collapses.
- Estimated hanging glaciers in India
- Around 900, based on survey estimates; there is no official nationwide number.
- Hanging glaciers mapped in Alaknanda basin
- 219 in the Garhwal Himalayas.
- Small glaciers in the Himalayas
- Around 30,000.
- Key study
- “Basin-scale inventory and exposure assessment of hanging glaciers, Central Himalaya,” published in Nature in April.
- Earlier major event
- The February 2021 Chamoli rock-ice avalanche was caused by a similar hanging glacier breaking off, according to the article.
- Recommended measures
- High-resolution glacier mapping, observatories, maximum-flood studies and disaster-mitigation planning.