550 lakes became dangerous for Himachal due to melting glaciers

- Alert in avalanche prone areas of Himachal

Shimla, Ta. Monday, February 8, 2021

Due to global warming, new lakes are constantly forming in the Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh. Glaciers are melting due to rising temperatures so that about 800 lakes, large and small, have formed in the highlands. About 550 lakes have become very sensitive for Himachal Pradesh. The Center for Climate Change of the Council for Science, Technology and Environment is constantly studying these lakes.

According to scientists, the recent rise in temperature has led to an increase in the melting of glaciers and an increase in the size of artificial lakes. In the last few years alone, more than 100 new natural lakes have formed on the Sutlej, Chenab, Ravi and Beas basins. A total of 500 lakes have been formed on the Sutlej Basin, 120 in Chenab, 100 in Beas and 50 in Ravi. In 2014, there were 391 lakes on the Sutlej Basin.

As the water level in these lakes continues to rise, it has become more necessary to keep an eye on them. This is why the help of satellites is taken to keep an eye on these lakes and the glaciers that are useful for their expansion. KK Pant, Principal Secretary, Science and Technology, said that artificial lakes and glaciers are monitored throughout the year and its annual report is shared with all the concerned departments and agencies.

Alert in avalanche prone areas of Himachal

Alerts have also been issued in Himachal Pradesh in districts with glaciers and artificial lakes following the disaster at Chamoli. According to Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, he has spoken to the deputy commissioners of the districts where the glaciers are located and asked them to monitor the compliance with the protocol. In addition to avalanche-prone areas, people in areas around glaciers have been asked to be vigilant, said RD Dhiman, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department. The Glacier Monitoring Cell of Glacier has also been asked to send a report of all activity to the Disaster Management Cell.