UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 28th July 2025

UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 28th July 2025

Question

‘With rising temperatures and increased glacial melt, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are emerging as a growing threat in the Indian Himalayan Region.’ Examine the nature of risks posed by GLOFs in India and evaluate the measures undertaken by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for their mitigation. (10 marks, 150 words)

Model Answer

Introduction:

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), home to over 7,500 glacial lakes across 11 river basins, faces growing threats from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) due to rising temperatures and accelerated glacial melt. According to NITI Aayog (2018) and NRSC-ISRO (2023), many of these lakes, particularly supraglacial and moraine-dammed types, have expanded in surface area, heightening the risk of catastrophic floods.

Nature of Risks Posed by GLOFs in India:

Topographical and Climatic Vulnerability:

Over 90% of high-risk glacial lakes lie above 4,500m, limiting accessibility and monitoring.

Rapid warming in the Himalayas (twice the global average (IPCC AR6)) has intensified meltwater accumulation.

Types of Glacial Lakes and Triggers:

Supraglacial lakes (on glaciers) and moraine-dammed lakes (at glacier snouts) are most vulnerable.

Triggers: ice/rock avalanches, seismic activity, or high meltwater pressure breaching weak moraine walls.

Cascade Impacts:

Flash floods damage hydropower projects, roads, bridges, and disrupt livelihoods downstream.

E.g., 2023 Sikkim GLOF wiped out Chungthang Dam (₹2,000 crore project); 2013 GLOF caused Kedarnath floods.

Lack of Monitoring and Early Warning Systems (EWS):

Fewer than 2% of glacial lakes have any real-time surveillance.

Sparse AWS (Automated Weather Stations) and manual warning systems limit pre-emptive action.

Trans-boundary Data Gaps and Diplomatic Challenges:

Many GLOFs in India have their origin in glacial lakes located across the border in Tibet (China), but lack of real-time hydrological cooperation hampers early warning.

E.g., The July 2024 GLOF in Nepal, originating in Tibet, occurred without prior Chinese intimation, highlighting India's vulnerability in similar trans-boundary basins like Teesta and Brahmaputra.

Downstream Vulnerability and Cumulative Impact Zones:

Settlements, critical infrastructure (e.g., hydropower projects, bridges, army posts) and fragile ecosystems lie directly in the downstream paths of GLOFs.

E.g., In the Kedarnath GLOF (2013), the sudden release of water was compounded by cloudbursts and landslides, turning it into a cascading multi-hazard event, with over 5,000 casualties.

NDMA’s Measures for GLOF Mitigation:

Proactive Risk Reduction Approach:

Shift from reactive to preventive disaster management via Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR).

National Glacial Lake Risk Mitigation Programme:

Launched in 2023 with $20 million, targets 195 high-risk lakes across 6 states.

Objectives: hazard mapping, installation of AWWS, establishment of Early Warning Systems, and community engagement.

Use of Advanced Technology:

Deployment of SAR Interferometry for detecting slope instabilities.

UAV surveys, bathymetry, and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for sub-surface analysis of moraine dams.

Interagency Collaboration:

Coordination with ISRO, IMD, CWC, and Himalayan states for multi-disciplinary monitoring and mitigation.

Example: Installation of real-time weather and water-level monitoring in Sikkim lakes (2024).

Community Integration and Local Participation:

Local communities engaged in expedition planning, sacred lake preservation, and manual EWS roles (e.g., ITBP alert systems).

Conclusion:

GLOF risks in India are a climate-induced, trans-boundary disaster threat requiring multi-pronged preparedness. NDMA’s national programme and scientific coordination mark significant steps forward, but scaling early warning systems, trans-border data sharing (especially with China), and deeper community integration remain critical. As NITI Aayog (2023) notes, GLOF mitigation is central to climate-resilient infrastructure in the Himalayan ecosystem.