Recently, Sikkim experienced a devastating flash flood in the Teesta river basin following a GLOF in parts of Lhonak Lake in the Mangan district. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), highlighted the retreat of glaciers in the Himalayas, the formation of new glacial lakes, and the growth of existing lakes. These factors pose a significant risk to downstream infrastructure and human life.
To address this issue, the NDMA and SDC released a guideline document on the management of GLOFs. The document aims to guide stakeholders in taking necessary actions and measures. GLOF is a term used to describe the sudden release of water from a glacial lake located in different parts of a glacier. Large lakes located in front of a glacier are primarily dammed by loose moraine, which is glacial debris left behind after the ice retreats. These lakes are often considered potential sources of floods.
The guidelines recommend the formation of a task committee to draft specific regulations regarding the increased risk of future GLOF events. The committee is expected to provide its recommendations within a year. The guidelines also propose the implementation of a single legislation to control development and construction activities, taking into account the existing legislative framework and incorporating suggestions made.
According to the guidelines, all buildings, especially hospitals, schools, and community halls, should be designed according to the latest specifications and codes. The special technical committee is expected to recommend additional measures to be included in GLOF hazard areas.
The government’s focus on developing a comprehensive National GLOF Risk Mitigation Measure demonstrates its commitment to addressing the potential risks posed by glacial lakes in the Himalayas. By implementing these guidelines and regulations, the government aims to reduce the impact of GLOFs on infrastructure and human life in the region.