Aspect

Details

Expansion of Indian Lakes

The total area of glacial lakes in India increased from 2011 to 2024 by 33.7% rise.

67 lakes in India experienced over a 40% increase in surface area, categorizing them as high risk for GLOFs.

This increase is driven by climate change. This expansion raises concerns about the increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). 

Regional Variations

Expansions were observed in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, & Arunachal Pradesh.

Impact

Melting glaciers due to rising temperatures have led to the rapid expansion of glacial lakes. This has threatened downstream communities & biodiversity.

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods occur when natural moraine dams breach, causing sudden & potentially catastrophic floods.

Technological Advancements in Monitoring

Adoption of advanced satellite technologies, like the Sentinel 1 SAR & Sentinel 2 multispectral imagery, permits 10-meter accuracy in monitoring lake sizes, even under cloud cover.

Transboundary Risks

Glacial lake expansions in neighboring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, & China pose cross-border risks.

Therefore there is a need of collaboration for GLOF management, including data sharing & joint risk assessments.

Recommendations for Risk Mitigation

The development of Early Warning Systems & improvement in disaster preparedness are essential.

Local awareness programs & enhanced disaster management plans through international cooperation are recommended.

Implications for Water Availability

The expansion of glacial lakes may impact water availability in major river systems like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, & Indus.

Data from 2011 and five to ten-year averages helped identify glacial lake expansion patterns for targeted assessments.

Organization Type

Premier technical organization in the field of water resources in India

Ministry

Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation

Headquarters

New Delhi

Functions

• Initiates, coordinates, and promotes schemes for control, conservation, and utilization of water resources across India
• Focus areas: Flood Control, Irrigation, Navigation, Drinking Water Supply, and Water Power Development
• Undertakes investigation, construction, and execution of projects as needed

Organization Structure

Headed by a Chairman with the status of Ex Officio Secretary to the Government of India

Three wings:

1. Designs and Research (D&R) Wing

2. River Management (RM) Wing

3. Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing

Each wing is led by a full-time member with the status of Ex Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India

Wings consist of various organizations, each responsible for specific tasks and functions

Training Institute

National Water Academy: Located in Pune, responsible for training central and state in-service engineers; functions under the Chairman's guidance

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Glacial lakes and other water bodies across the Himalayan region are increasingly being recognized as critical indicators of climate change. Discuss the social, and geopolitical implications of their rapid expansion and the challenges posed for the region's water security. (150 words)