NEW DELHI: P K Mishra, principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday stressed the need for mitigating risks associated with glacial lakes to ensure a safer future for communities.
Mishra shared this detail while delivering a valedictory address at the fourth Workshop on “Strategies for Glacial Lakes Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Reduction” conducted by the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction.
He said coordinated national efforts have resulted in the compilation of a dynamic list of approximately 200 high-risk glacial lakes from a total of 7,500 surveyed. He added that lakes based on risk levels have now been categorised effectively.
“States were encouraged to conduct expeditions to assess all A-category lakes in the summer of 2024 leading to significant engagement from local authorities,” Mishra said.
He particularly mentioned about Sikkim, terming the South Lhonak glacial lake outburst flood disaster “a wake-up call for all of us.”
Underscoring the urgent need for effective strategies to address risks associated with glacial lakes, Mishra said in Sikkim alone teams had visited and categorised 18 out of 40 designated lakes and plans for mitigation measures had been initiated at five lakes in Sikkim.
“This will be backed by the Government of India’s approval for the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme with an allocation of Rs 150 crores for four states,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mishra suggested that states and Union Territories must continue to lead monitoring and mitigation efforts concerning glaciers and glacial lakes, with sustained support from central scientific institutions. He said that strengthening State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) will be vital in enhancing our capacity to respond effectively.