197 glacial lakes, fragile mountains, & climate change: Report warns of J&K’s catastrophic GLOF threat if urgent action isn’t taken

A new risk assessment has raised serious concerns over the threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, warning that lives, infrastructure, and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem face severe danger if immediate preventive measures are not taken.

According to the GLOF Management Plan for Kishtwar 2024–25, the tehsils of Padder, Machail, Dachhan, Marwah, and Warwan have been identified as the most vulnerable. Their close proximity to glacial lakes, combined with difficult terrain and limited disaster preparedness, makes them especially prone to sudden flooding.

The report also pointed out the risks faced by the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, where a flood could severely disrupt habitats and biodiversity.

Why is the danger real?

The danger is far from hypothetical. On 14 August, Chishoti village in Padder tehsil, the last motorable stop on the route to the Machail Mata temple, was devastated by a cloudburst-triggered flash flood during the yatra. The incident claimed 65 lives and left more than 115 injured.

Experts caution that a similar or larger disaster caused by a glacial lake outburst could be even more destructive.

What is at stake?

The report underlined that critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, government offices, and road networks remain at “considerable risk”. Hydroelectric projects run by CVPPL Limited, including Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Dangduru, have also been flagged as highly vulnerable. Rising water levels or a dam breach could damage vital infrastructure, halt operations, and put downstream areas at grave risk of flooding.

Two lakes, Mundiksar and Hangu, have been classified as high risk, while Palta Pani and another unnamed lake fall under the moderate risk category.

What makes Kishtwar especially vulnerable?

Kishtwar, located in the Western Himalayas, is home to 197 glacial lakes, the highest in Jammu and Kashmir, accounting for over one-third of the total in the Union Territory. Many of these lakes have expanded significantly in recent decades due to rapid glacial retreat linked to climate change.

“The accelerated retreat of glaciers, driven by rising temperatures, has resulted in the formation and expansion of several glacial lakes in the region, increasing the risk of GLOFs,” the report stated.

Factors such as ice melt, landslides, and even seismic activity could trigger sudden outbursts.

What can be done?

The plan called for urgent mitigation measures, including:

• Continuous monitoring and early warning systems
• Reinforcement of moraine dams and drainage channels
• Detailed risk mapping
• Training and awareness programmes for local communities

For the long term, it recommended climate-resilient infrastructure, afforestation to stabilise fragile slopes, and sustained research on glacial dynamics. It also suggested allocating a portion of District Planning and Development Council funds exclusively for GLOF preparedness.

Building a safer future

“Our commitment to safeguarding lives and infrastructure against GLOFs reflects a broader vision of building a resilient future for Kishtwar,” the plan emphasised.

The report concluded that while the risks are mounting due to climate change and environmental fragility, proactive measures can protect communities and help ensure a safer future for the district.

Inputs from PTI