Dehradun: The fragile Himalayan ecosystem in Uttarakhand is under mounting threat as glacial lakes in the region continue to grow both in number and size—a development scientists attribute to climate change and global warming.
A recent study by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) has raised alarm over a sharp increase in the number of glaciers and associated glacial lakes across the state. According to the report, Uttarakhand now has 1,290 glaciers—up from 1,266 a decade ago. Simultaneously, the area covered by glacial lakes has expanded by 8.1%, pointing to accelerated melting of ice in high-altitude zones.
“Our research shows that not only are new lakes forming on glaciers, but many existing lakes are also increasing in size,” said Dr. Rakesh Bhambri, glaciologist at WIHG. “This trend has become more pronounced since our last comprehensive study in 2015.”
Dr. Bhambri added that the abnormal occurrence of rainfall, instead of snowfall, at elevations above 4,000 to 5,000 metres is playing a key role in accelerating glacier melt. “While not every lake is expanding, the overall trend clearly shows that warming is reshaping the glacial landscape of Uttarakhand,” he said.
The expanding lakes bring with them a significant threat: the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). These sudden, powerful floods occur when natural dams of ice or moraine give way under pressure. Uttarakhand has already suffered the wrath of such events—the Kedarnath disaster of 2013, triggered by the bursting of the Chorabari glacial lake, and the Raini-Tapovan tragedy of 2021, both caused by glacial activity.
In response to the growing danger, the Indian government has identified 13 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand as being at high risk of bursting. These include Vasundhara Lake in Chamoli, Kedartal in Uttarkashi, Nagkund in Bageshwar, six lakes in Pithoragarh, and one in Tehri.
To mitigate the risks, a multi-agency task force comprising WIHG, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) has been formed. The team plans to conduct bathymetric surveys—used to measure lake depths—starting July for the five most vulnerable lakes categorized as “Category A.”
“Mitigation work may involve the installation of pipes to lower water levels or early-warning systems to alert downstream communities in time,” an NDMA official said.
The problem, however, is not confined to Uttarakhand alone. A pan-Himalayan trend has emerged, with glacial lakes across the range growing by more than 10% between 2011 and 2024. Experts warn that unless urgent monitoring and risk-reduction steps are taken, the region could face repeat disasters, with devastating consequences for both people and infrastructure.
As glacial lakes silently swell in the shadow of the peaks, the state stands at a climate crossroads—urging swift action, scientific vigilance, and community preparedness.
