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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has launched the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR) to tackle the increasing risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), a serious concern in regions with high-altitude glaciers. The initiative seeks to foster a multi-disciplinary approach to GLOF risk reduction, collaborating with various government agencies at both the state and national levels.

As part of the government’s push to improve disaster preparedness, the CoDRR is tasked with providing guidance and resources to help states and Union Territories (UTs) mitigate the risks posed by these dangerous events. NDMA has already held eight meetings focused on GLOF risk reduction and organized a major international workshop in November 2024 to enhance collaboration between experts and local authorities. This global forum featured experts from Nepal, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Peru, and Switzerland, who shared insights from their own experiences with GLOF management in regions such as the Andes, Alps, and Himalayas.

Monitoring and Mitigation Efforts Gain Ground

Launched in 2020, the NDMA's Guidelines on Management of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) have outlined specific actions for various stakeholders, including national and state agencies, to manage and reduce GLOF risks. The Department of Water Resources under the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been identified as the lead ministry for glacial studies, tasked with overseeing research and interventions in this area.

The CoDRR mechanism is focused on a "whole-of-government" approach, encouraging collaboration across multiple sectors and facilitating the exchange of information, technology, and scientific resources. The aim is to ensure that states with significant glacial lakes are equipped to take proactive steps in reducing risks. The initiative has already yielded tangible results, with all six affected states and UTs setting up dedicated GLOF Risk Reduction units.

Satellite Technology to Identify High-Risk Glacial Lakes

One of the key tools in the effort to monitor and manage GLOF risks is satellite remote sensing technology. Since 2011, the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has been using satellites to map and monitor over 7,500 glacial lakes across the Indian Himalayan Region. In collaboration with the Central Water Commission (CWC), the data is continuously updated to identify lakes that pose the highest risks. The findings have led to the creation of a dynamic list of 195 high-risk glacial lakes, particularly those with rapidly increasing surface areas, which are more likely to trigger GLOF events.