Parbati River at high risk as expanding Glacial lakes endanger Himachal
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Feb 24,
The threat of glacial lake outbursts, driven by rising temperatures and accelerated glacial melting, poses a serious risk to hydroelectric projects and key infrastructure like roads and bridges in Himachal Pradesh. Media reports indicate that experts have called for the installation of early warning systems and consistent monitoring of glacial lakes to mitigate this growing danger.
A team of nine scientists and experts, after conducting a bathymetry survey and risk assessment of high-altitude glacial lakes like Vasuki in the Sosna area of Kullu (4,500 m) and Sangla in Kinnaur (4,710 m), recommended immediate precautionary measures. According to reports, this study was carried out by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing. Another recent assessment revealed the alarming expansion of the Ghepang Ghat Lake (4,068 m) in Lahaul and Spiti by 178% over the years.
Parbati River at High Risk
The reports identify the Parbati River in Kullu district as the most vulnerable to flooding due to a consistent increase in water flow, though no leakage has been detected so far. Experts attribute the formation of Sangla and Vasuki lakes to climate change and the accelerated melting of glaciers.
The Vasuki Lake’s expansion has been particularly concerning, with its surface area increasing from 10.36 hectares in 2017 to 13.38 hectares in 2024 and a recorded depth of 14.48 m. Sangla Lake, spanning 15.73 hectares, grew by 0.87 hectares during the same period.
The Ghepang Ghat Lake’s unprecedented growth, with its size swelling from 36.49 hectares to 101.30 hectares over the past 33 years, has been linked to rapid glacial melting and ice loss at the glacier’s snout. The National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad, mapped this high-risk lake under the National Hydrology Project (NHP), underscoring the potential catastrophic impact of a burst.
Impact on Infrastructure and Communities
The study also assessed the potential damage in low-lying areas like Sissu, Tandi, Tibok, Thirot, Triloknath, Udaipur, Tehtlo, Purthi, Sach, and Phindru. It estimated that a glacial lake outburst could affect 34 settlements, damage 57 bridges, and impact 107 km of road networks.
Experts emphasize the need for enhanced monitoring and early warning mechanisms to safeguard lives and infrastructure from these growing threats. The rapid urbanization in downstream regions has only heightened the risk, making timely intervention critical.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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