The Himachal Pradesh government has stepped up its vigil over rising water levels in Ghepan glacial lake amid concerns about a possible glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).
In the event of an outburst, the water can reach the populated areas within just five minutes, according to assessments conducted at various levels.
It reported that the lake had expanded significantly beyond normal levels and advised taking necessary precautionary measures in light of the potential risks. Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently expressed concerns over the lake expansion. “Its increasing size and the possibility of a sudden outburst remained a major concern. The team conducted a detailed study regarding the potential risk of a lake outburst and the measures required to mitigate potential damage. A report was subsequently submitted to the SDMA. Bhadana added that several glaciers and mountains surround Ghepan Lake, requiring regular monitoring of their stability.
The government is working towards installing an early warning system, marking the ‘highest flood level’ (HFL), the Lahaul Spiti administration has identified 32 residential areas from Sissu to the Sansari border and marked 128 locations as potential flood-prone. In November 2023, ISRO alerted the district administration through various channels about the increasing size of the Ghepan Lake. In July 2024, a team comprising 23 officials and staff members from various departments, led by the then DC, visited the lake.
The government was monitoring the situation and was particularly concerned about the potential impact on Sissu and surrounding areas,” he said. “Coordination will be established with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to ensure periodic scientific assessment and monitoring of the stability of glaciers and mountainous regions around Ghepan Lake,” she said. “The recent tragedy in Nepal underscored the severity of potential hazards arising from glacial instability,” the DC said. She said that the DDMA would focus on evacuation plans for residents in vulnerable areas, conduct regular awareness campaigns and mock drills, and strengthen rapid response mechanisms.
