PRENEETA SHARMA
LAHAUL & SPITI
Residents and local authorities are concerned about Ghepan Lake’s rapid rise in water level in the tribal districts of Lahaul and Spiti. Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana claims that the lake’s water levels have risen by 178% over time, greatly increasing the possibility of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), an abrupt calamity that might dump enormous amounts of water and debris downstream.
Since satellite data continues to reveal a concerning trend, the district administration has been keeping an eye on the lake every day. Particularly in an area renowned for its delicate mountain slopes and glacial features, officials worry that the buildup of water could result in a disastrous occurrence.
When a glacier lake’s natural dam collapses, a GLOF happens. Numerous things, including ice or rock avalanches that slide into the lake, ice dams melting quickly, earthquakes, strong rains, and glacier movement, might cause this. These occurrences are known to cause abrupt, powerful floods, which present serious risks in the Himalayan areas.
The DC clarified that because of the increased danger, the administration is now placing more emphasis on catastrophe mitigation than just disaster management. “We are implementing several interventions and collaborating with numerous parties. She stated that the CSIR and the forest department are working together to stabilize slopes and plant species that lessen soil erosion.
In order to properly divert excess water away from susceptible areas, the Jal Shakti Department and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) are working together to create a drainage system. In the meantime, a survey with C-DAC has been carried out in order to create an early warning system that might notify locals ahead of any possible breach.
In an effort to actively include local communities in risk reduction and preparedness initiatives, the administration is also creating a village-level mitigation plan. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Himachal Pradesh University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for additional scientific monitoring and support is also being negotiated.
Anuradha Rana, an MLA from Lahaul and Spiti, acknowledged that she brought up the matter in the state Assembly. “Scientific research is being conducted to evaluate the hazard, and the government is quite concerned. The district administration has received the required instructions, and an early warning system will shortly be established,” she said.
Locals have called on the state administration to take more aggressive steps to avert any calamity and to expedite the implementation of an early warning system.
At a height of 4,140 meters, Ghepan Ghat Lake is a serene, neon-blue glacier lake situated in a lovely valley.
