Latest news with #GLOFs
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Alarm bells ring: Uttarakhand's glacier lakes swell, signalling future disasters
DEHRADUN: The Himalayan region of Uttarakhand is witnessing an alarming proliferation of glacial lakes, a trend that experts warn could signal major future disasters in this ecologically fragile zone. A recent study by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) has brought this worrying development to the fore. The study reveals a significant increase in the number of glaciers across the state, currently recorded at 1,290, up from 1,266 a decade ago. Concurrently, the area covered by glacial lakes has expanded by a substantial 8.1 per cent. This growth underscores the severe impacts of climate change on the delicate Himalayan ecosystem. Dr Rakesh Bhambri, a glaciologist at WIHG, elaborated on the findings, stating, 'Our research indicates that new lakes are forming on glaciers in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, and existing lakes are growing in size. There has been a notable increase in their numbers since our 2015 study.' Attributing this surge primarily to climate change and global warming, he further explained, 'The occurrence of rain instead of snow at altitudes of four to five thousand metres is a significant contributing factor, leading to glacier melt and the formation of these lakes.' While acknowledging the overall increase, Dr Bhambri clarified that not all lakes are expanding. The destructive potential of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) is not new to the region. The devastating Kedarnath tragedy of 2013 was triggered by the bursting of the Chorabari glacial lake, and the 2021 Raini-Tapovan floods were also a result of a similar event. Sikkim experienced a comparable disaster in 2013. In light of these past catastrophes, the Indian government has identified 13 such high-risk glacial lakes in Uttarakhand that could pose a significant threat in the future. Prominent among these are Vasundhara Lake in Chamoli, Kedartal in Uttarkashi, Nagkund in Bageshwar, six lakes in Pithoragarh, and one in Tehri.
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 3 : Questions on climate change-induced glacier retreat and air pollution crisis (Week 106)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-3 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at The persistent air pollution crisis underscores the need for effective air quality monitoring and dust control measures. Critically analyse the shortcomings in the current air quality monitoring infrastructure and dust mitigation strategies. Critically analyse how climate change-induced glacier retreat in the Himalayas is exacerbating the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and suggest mitigation strategies at the community and policy levels. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: The persistent air pollution crisis underscores the need for effective air quality monitoring and dust control measures. Critically analyse the shortcomings in the current air quality monitoring infrastructure and dust mitigation strategies. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — One of the government's top priorities is to reduce air pollution. It must now design an effective strategy and put words to action. — The locations of air quality monitoring stations in the capital, for example, did not meet the specifications set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). — According to the non-profit Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, Delhi had the highest PM 10 (particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometres) levels of any of the 130 cities covered under the Centre's National Clean Air Programme in fiscal year 2024-25. During this time, the average PM 10 concentration in the capital was four to five times that of the WHO's recommendation. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — Delhi had an average annual PM 10 concentration of 206 µg/m3, while Byrinhat and Patna had values of 200 and 180 µg/m3, respectively. — Cities participating in the clean air programme have been assigned a target of reducing inhalable PM 10 particles by up to 40% or meeting national ambient air quality criteria by 2025-26, compared to the 2017 baseline year. The NCAP assesses PM10 reductions on a fiscal year basis. — Managing PM 10 is one of the less problematic components of Delhi's pollution problem. These particles settle faster than smaller PM 2.5 particles, making filtration devices more effective at trapping them. — Road dust accounts for roughly 60% of these bigger pollutants, and basic municipal services can eliminate this threat at the source. According to a study conducted by experts at IIT Delhi, mending potholes, repairing unpaved roads, and removing waste dumps can cut city pollution by 15 to 25%. — Another study conducted by experts at IIT Kanpur found that strategies such as vertically covering construction areas and using water spray and windbreakers to prevent building materials such as sand from dispersing can improve air quality by up to 50%. Conclusion: — NCAP was launched in 2019 and encompasses 131 cities. The goal is to reduce particulate matter pollution by 40% by 2025-26 or achieve National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The 131 communities in 24 states, known as non-attainment cities, were chosen because they failed to fulfil national air quality criteria for five consecutive years between 2011 and 2015. (Source: Delhi's clean air programme should focus first on air quality monitoring, checking dust emissions, Delhi's PM 10 levels highest in FY 2024-25 among cities covered under clean air programme: New analysis) Points to Ponder Harmful effects of PM 10 and PM 2.5 on health? Preventive measures for air pollution Related Previous Year Questions Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India's National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? (2021) What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the government of India? (2020) QUESTION 2: Critically analyse how climate change-induced glacier retreat in the Himalayas is exacerbating the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and suggest mitigation strategies at the community and policy levels. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — 'The Himalayas are sounding an alarm,' the Union Environment Minister warned during a climate meeting in Kathmandu. 'As a consequence of global warming due to human activity, glaciers are retreating, threatening the future of water security for populations downstream.' — Scientific studies have long demonstrated that climate change is causing Himalayan glaciers to melt at an unprecedented rate, affecting water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods. — Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, growing human-wildlife conflict, depleting water sources, and an alarming increase in landslides, floods, heatwaves, forest fires, and droughts are quickly becoming the new normal in the Himalayan region. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — According to a 2019 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances, 'glaciers across the Himalayas experienced significant ice loss over the past 40 years, with the average rate of ice loss twice as rapid in the 21st century compared to the end of the 20th century.' — Himalayan glaciers are constantly disappearing due to global warming, resulting in the formation of artificial lakes known as GLOFs. When they burst, they cause mayhem. In October 2023, Sikkim's South Lhonak Lake produced a severe flood in the Teesta River region. It completely destroyed the Teesta III hydropower dam and caused extensive damage. — A similar GLOF was behind the 2013 Kedarnath floods, which killed over 6,000 people. Another disaster struck Uttarakhand's Chamoli district in 2021, when an ice-rock avalanche caused flash floods that killed over 200 people and destroyed hydroelectric infrastructure. — Scientists and environmentalists predict that such floods will become more common in India's hill states as glaciers melt faster due to climate change. — According to the South Asia Water Initiative's report Monitoring of Glaciers, Climate, and Runoff in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya Mountains, remote sensing data estimates that Himalayan states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh have approximately 7,500 glacier lakes. Of these, 190 are rated as 'very high' risk of producing a GLOF. Conclusion: Mitigation strategies — Experts say that top-down solutions are failing. 'Multinational consultancies are being brought in to tackle problems that require local understanding, while the knowledge and experience of local communities are being overlooked. This approach must change. — Infrastructure development also needs a major shift. There is no need for the large-scale infrastructure projects; instead, small-scale, sustainable development is the key. — Tourism should be decentralised, focusing on lesser-known destinations rather than building up major hotspots. There is a need to adopt a policy that ties conservation with livelihood generation. (Source: How climate change and rapid development are pushing the Himalayan region to the brink) Points to Ponder Impact of climate change of water bodies in India How climate change affects agriculture? Related Previous Year Questions The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? (2023) Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (2022) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 105) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 105) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 105) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Business Recorder
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Monsoon season: Minister for immediate clearance of storm water drains
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Mueen Wattoo has directed the concerned authorities to ensure immediate clearance of storm water drains in major urban centres to deal with the monsoon water. Chairing 60th Annual Meeting of the Federal Flood Commission (FFC), he called for enhanced inter-agency coordination and round-the-clock vigilance to manage flood risks during the upcoming monsoon season, set to begin on July 1. The federal secretary Water Resources and the chairman, Federal Flood Commission were also present in the meeting. The annual meeting, held to assess national preparedness for Monsoon Season 2025, brought together representatives from federal agencies and provincial governments, to review flood mitigation strategies and pre-emptive measures for the safe passage of potential floodwaters. While briefing the federal minister, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted normal to slightly above-normal rainfall across central and southern Pakistan for the July to September period. Enhanced precipitation is expected in northeastern Punjab and Kashmir, while northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan may experience normal to below-normal rainfall. The forecast also warns of higher-than-normal temperatures nationwide, increasing the likelihood of extreme hydrological events such as riverine floods, flash floods, urban flooding, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). In response to these forecasts, Federal Minister Mueen Wattoo, directed to ensure immediate clearance of storm water drains in major urban centres. He also directed the removal of encroachments and debris around waterways, particularly near barrages and key infrastructure such as National Highways Authority (NHA) and Pakistan Railways bridges, to prevent floodwater blockages. Special attention was given to the de-silting and encroachment removal from urban nullahs in flood-prone cities including Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. The chairman of the FFC briefed attendees on pre-monsoon initiatives undertaken by the commission including readiness assessments and coordination plans. Stakeholders reported on ongoing monitoring of river flows, infrastructure readiness, and the functionality of meteorological and telemetry systems. The National and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities also shared their preparedness strategies. Officials from Tarbela and Mangla dam management authorities presented their standard operating procedures for controlled flood discharge during peak flows. Wrapping up the meeting, the minister directed concerned authorities to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities and public infrastructure. He appreciated all participants for their commitment to flood preparedness and national safety. He also expressed a firm commitment to maintaining strong performance in the coming days. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
PMD issues seasonal outlook for monsoon
KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued its seasonal outlook for the upcoming monsoon season, forecasting normal to slightly above-normal rainfall in large parts of the country, alongside above-normal temperatures expected to persist nationwide. According to the PMD, the monsoon rainfall pattern from July to September 2025 is likely to bring normal to slightly enhanced precipitation across the central and southern regions, with the north-eastern parts of Punjab and Kashmir seeing the highest deviations from average. In contrast, northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) may experience normal to below-normal rainfall, setting a potentially dry trend for these upper mountainous regions. Adding to the climate concern, higher-than-normal temperatures are forecast throughout the country, with the most significant departures expected in Kashmir, GB, and adjoining parts of KP. These elevated temperatures pose serious risks by accelerating snowmelt, which could cause rising river levels and an increased chance of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). The PMD cautions that the combined effect of intense rainfall and heat could trigger extreme hydro-meteorological events, especially over catchments' areas. These conditions may lead to riverine flooding in major river systems. Additionally, flash flooding and urban inundation are anticipated in hill torrent regions and major urban centers of Sindh, Punjab, Kashmir, and KP, particularly during the first half of the monsoon season. Communities should also prepare for strong winds, dust storms, and hailstorms resulting from sharp temperature gradients. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
PDMA issues GLOF warning for northern districts of KP
PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa issued an alert for northern districts of the province amid fears of potential Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) on Friday. The warning comes in response to an unusual rise in temperatures in recent days, increasing the risk of glacial lake bursts and subsequent flooding. The PDMA had directed deputy commissioners of Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, and Upper Kohistan to take precautionary measures and ensure emergency preparedness. According to the official notification, local administrations in the vulnerable areas have been instructed to keep residents alert and to ensure the readiness of emergency services, rescue teams, and relief workers. Essential supplies and available resources were also to be pre-positioned to allow for a swift response in case of any untoward incident. The advisory also urged tourists to take necessary precautions and avoid unnecessary travel to the affected regions. A PDMA spokesperson stated that the authority's Emergency Operations Center was fully operational 24/7, and the public can report any emergencies by calling the helpline at 1700. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
