NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Hanging Glacier Threats in Central Himalaya
New Delhi, April 24,
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognisance of environmental risks arising from unstable hanging glaciers in the Central Himalayan region, following a scientific report warning of potential avalanches and downstream disasters.
The matter was registered as Original Application No. 258/2026 after the Tribunal examined a news report titled “Study Flags Overlooked Danger Posed By Hanging Glaciers On Mountain Slopes in Central Himalaya” published by The Hindu newspaper on April 20.
The Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, observed that the issue raises substantial environmental concerns and questions relating to compliance with statutory provisions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
According to the report, a scientific study conducted by researchers from Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, and Defence Research and Development Organisation highlighted the growing risks posed by hanging glaciers in the Alaknanda basin of Uttarakhand.
The study warned that glacier retreat, seismic sensitivity, and expanding human settlements in vulnerable high-altitude regions such as Badrinath, Mana, and Hanuman Chatti could increase the likelihood of avalanches and related disasters.
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Invoking its suo motu powers, as recognised by the Supreme Court in the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs Ankita Sinha case, the Tribunal impleaded several agencies as respondents. These include the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, National Mission for Clean Ganga, the Uttarakhand Urban Development Department, and the National Institute of Hydrology.
The Tribunal has issued notices directing all respondents to submit their replies through affidavits before the next hearing.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 6, 2026, and will be heard along with a connected case.
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