Hundreds of Himalayan Glacial lakes pose risk: NGT takes cognizance, seeks action from NIH and CWC

Himachalscape bureau July 16, 2025 3 minutes read

Photo used for indicative purpose only

Shimla/New Delhi, July 16,

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken serious cognizance of the growing threat posed by expanding Himalayan glacial lakes, warning that they could trigger catastrophic floods in downstream regions. Acting on media reports highlighting a 10.81 per cent increase in glacial lakes over the last 13 years, the Tribunal has directed the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) to file a detailed reply with remedial measures within four weeks.

In four page order passed by the Principal Bench, headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava on July 14, heard two original applications based on reports published two English dailies regarding the alarming surge of glacial lakes in Himachal Pradesh, Tibet, and other Himalayan states.

The Bench observed that the melting glaciers have significantly enlarged existing lakes, increasing the danger of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can devastate human settlements, infrastructure, and hydropower projects downstream.

According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), 100 glacial lakes larger than 10 hectares in India are being monitored since 2011, with trend analysis revealing an alarming pattern. Of these, 34 lakes show an increasing trend in water spread, while 20 depict a decreasing trend and 44 remain unchanged. Himachal Pradesh alone accounts for 10 monitored lakes, with six expanding, and 23 dams located along their potential flow paths—posing a severe risk to life and infrastructure.

The CWC has also developed a risk indexing system to classify glacial lakes based on failure likelihood and downstream vulnerabilities. The study found that Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh have several lakes falling in higher-risk categories (Category 2 and 3). “The criteria consider lake size, slope stability, proximity to other lakes, and exposure of human habitation and assets like dams and bridges,” the CWC informed the Tribunal.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Bench noted that CWC has already assessed 90 hydropower and infrastructure projects for GLOF risks, approving 81 reports prepared by project authorities and conducting nine studies itself. However, the Tribunal stressed the need for an integrated approach to prevent disasters of the magnitude witnessed in Chamoli (2021) and Sikkim (2023).

“Glacial lake bursts can cause large-scale destruction in downstream valleys, threatening lives, property, and critical installations,” the order stated. The Tribunal impleaded NIH as a party to the proceedings, recognizing its role as secretary of the monitoring committee. The NIH has been asked to submit a detailed affidavit suggesting preventive and mitigation strategies, including early warning systems, structural safeguards, and mapping of vulnerable zones.

The matter will be next heard on October 16, 2025.

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