The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has uncovered concerning findings regarding the rapid expansion of glacial lakes across the Indian Himalayan region. In a recent study, Isro analyzed decades of satellite imagery, revealing a significant increase in the size and number of glacial lakes, posing serious threats to both the environment and communities downstream.
According to the study, glaciers in the Indian Himalayas have been melting at alarming rates due to the impacts of global climate change. This unprecedented retreat has led to the formation of new lakes and the enlargement of existing ones, known as glacial lakes. While these lakes serve as crucial freshwater sources for rivers in the Himalayan region, they also present significant risks, including the potential for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can have devastating consequences for downstream communities.
Using satellite data spanning from 1984 to 2023, Isro identified a total of 2,431 glacial lakes larger than 10 hectares across various river basins. Shockingly, 676 of these lakes have shown substantial growth since 1984, with 130 located within India alone.
The study found that the expansion of these lakes has been drastic, with 601 lakes more than doubling in size and many situated at higher elevations, posing increased risks to surrounding areas. Glacial lakes were categorized based on their formation process, with the majority of expanding lakes identified as Moraine-dammed.
One example highlighted in the study is the Ghepang Ghat lake in Himachal Pradesh, which has grown by an alarming 178% between 1989 and 2022.
As glaciers continue to melt rapidly, the swelling of these lakes not only signifies significant environmental changes but also elevates the risk of glacial lake outburst floods. Isro’s study underscores the urgent need for action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable mountain communities from the consequences of glacial melt.
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