Concept Note: 2-Day Workshop
‘Strategies for GLOF Risk Reduction’
Jacaranda Hall, India Habitat Centre
Delhi
11th & 12th November 2024
Co-Organizers:
National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA) & Department of Water
Resources (DoWR)
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Background ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Objectives................................................................................................................................................ 4
1. Comprehensive Understanding of GLOF Dynamics ................................................................... 4
2. Enhance Technical Expertise and Build Capacity ....................................................................... 4
3. Foster Collaboration and Strategy Development ....................................................................... 4
4. Exploring Mitigation Strategies .................................................................................................. 5
5. Advancing Monitoring and Early Warning Systems ................................................................... 5
6. Strengthening Policy and Institutional Frameworks .................................................................. 5
Workshop Technical Sessions .................................................................................................................. 5
Technical Session 1: International Perspectives & Experiences on GLOF Risk Mitigation .................. 5
Technical Session 2: High-Risk Glacial Lake Expedition Outcomes from Summer of 2024 ................. 5
Technical Session 3: Gaps and Challenges in Mitigating GLOF Risks ................................................... 6
Technical Session 4: Hazard Assessments and Geo-Spatial Monitoring of High-Risk Glacial Lakes .... 6
Technical Session 5: Orienting Tech Start-Up Products Towards GLOF Risk Mitigation ...................... 6
Technical Session 6: Discussion: Optimal Designs for Automated Weather Stations and Early
Warning Systems ................................................................................................................................. 7
Technical Session 7: Discussion: Best Practices - GLOF Mitigation ..................................................... 7
Expected Outcomes ................................................................................................................................ 7
1. Enhanced Knowledge and Understanding for Effective Mitigation ........................................... 7
2. Collaborative Actionable Strategies for Risk Reduction ............................................................. 7
3. Strengthened Institutional and Community Capacities ............................................................. 7
4. Improved Monitoring and Early Warning Systems .................................................................... 7
5. Policy Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 7
Conclusion and Way Forward ................................................................................................................. 7
Introduction
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the aegis of the Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA) formed the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR) in the
aftermath of the Sikkim GLOF event of October 2023. NDMA instituted the CoDRR mechanism
to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to GLOF Risk Reduction in collaboration with
DRDO/DGRE, MoJS – DoWR, CWC, CDAC, GSI, IMD, NRSC/IIRS/NESAC, NIH, NCPOR, NGRI and
other government agencies and departments.
The CoDRR Mechanism paves the way for a whole-of-government approach to mitigate the
risks from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), Earthquakes, Landslides, Coastal Erosion,
Monsoon Variability’s impact on Urban Floods and Droughts and to build upon the importance
of Disaster Risk Financing and Psycho-Social Support for sustainable long-term interventions.
The 4th CoDRR GLOF Workshop is part of NDMA’s initiatives to ensure policy development and
implementation is undertaken in a whole-of-society approach. The CoDRR International Level
Workshops are designed to bring all stakeholders to a common platform to engage in scientific
discourse and open avenues for collaboration.
A remote sensing satellite study conducted by NRSC, ISRO in April 2024 reports significant
expansion in 676 glacial lakes between 1984 & 2023 across the Indus, Ganga, & Brahmaputra
River basins, highlighting the growing risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Indian
Himalayas. Notably, 601 lakes (89%) have expanded more than twice their original size, 10
lakes have grown by 1.5 to 2 times, and 65 lakes have increased by 1.5 times.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) with a budget of ₹150 approved by the
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is implementing the National GLOF Risk Mitigation
Programme (NGRMP) for four states – Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
Sikkim and two union territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The NGRMP has the
following objectives -
• Hazard and Risk Assessment: Inventory and classification of glacial lakes.
• Monitoring and Early Warning System: Utilization of advanced technologies for early
breach detection.
• Mitigation Measures: Site-specific interventions such as reinforcing moraine dams or
controlling lake water levels.
• Community Awareness and Capacity Building: Enhancing local preparedness and
response capabilities.
Background
The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) often referred to as the "Third Pole,” faces increasing risks
from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change and
glacial retreat. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) pose a significant threat to communities
in high-altitude regions, particularly in the Himalayas, where the impacts of climate change
are most pronounced. The rapid melting of glaciers, accelerated by rising global temperatures,
has led to the formation of numerous glacial lakes. These lakes, perched precariously on
mountain slopes, breach suddenly, releasing millions of cubic litres of water and debris.
The Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region is one of the most alpine glacier-rich areas outside
Antarctica and Greenland, with approximately 33,000 square kilometres of glacial ice in the
Himalayas. The HKH spans 3,500 kilometres across eight countries, and feeds 10 major river
basins. The increasing frequency and intensity of GLOFs necessitate a comprehensive
understanding of the risk landscape and the development of robust mitigation and risk
reduction strategies.
The rapid melting of glaciers and the expansion of proglacial lakes from 2018 to 2022 has led
to an exponential increase in Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incidents. Particularly
susceptible regions include Afghanistan (Panjshir, 12th July 2024), India (South Lhonak Lake,
October 2023, and Thyanbo Lake, August 2024), Nepal (Birendra Glacial Lake, April 2024),
Bhutan (Thorthormi Tsho, June 2019), Pakistan (Thame, August 2024), China (June 2020),
placing over 6,353 km² area at risk.
GLOF events have also occurred in other mountainous regions globally. In Peru, the outburst
from Lake Palcacocha on 13th December 1941, flooded Huaraz, claiming 1,800 to 6,000 lives.
In Switzerland, the Giétro Glacier ice dam burst on 16th September 1818, causing major
flooding from Lake Mauvoisin. These events demonstrate the global nature of GLOF risks,
underscoring the urgent need for international collaboration in mitigation efforts.
In response to these escalating risks, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is
organizing a 1 and ½ day policy workshop ‘Strategies for GLOF Risk Reduction’ focused on GLOF
mitigation and risk reduction. This workshop aims to bring together experts, policymakers,
researchers, and community representatives to share knowledge, discuss ongoing research,
and develop actionable strategies to mitigate GLOF risks.
Objectives
The workshop will aim to achieve the following objectives:
1. Comprehensive Understanding of GLOF Dynamics Delve into the causes, triggers,
and processes of GLOFs, with a focus on the latest scientific research and case studies
from the Himalayas and other mountain ranges such as the Alps, Tian Shan Range and
the Andes.
2. Enhance Technical Expertise and Build Capacity Develop greater understanding to
enhance technical expertise at the National and State level. Build capacity through
discussions and experience sharing, ensuring that states are well-informed and
equipped to handle GLOF risks.
3. Foster Collaboration and Strategy Development Facilitate collaboration among
experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive
strategies for monitoring and mitigating GLOF risks, thereby safeguarding lives and
property in affected regions.
4. Exploring Mitigation Strategies Examine structural and non-structural mitigation
measures, including controlled breaching, siphoning, and the construction of outlet
control structures, as well as community-based approaches.
5. Advancing Monitoring and Early Warning Systems Discuss the integration of
satellite-based monitoring, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing
technologies in predicting GLOFs. Explore the development and implementation of
early warning systems tailored to the unique challenges of the IHR.
6. Strengthening Policy and Institutional Frameworks Formulate policy
recommendations that can be integrated into national and regional disaster
management plans. Highlight the importance of cross-border cooperation and the
involvement of local communities in GLOF risk management.
Workshop Technical Sessions
The 4th CoDRR Workshop focuses on GLOF Risk Reduction & Mitigation and features six key
technical sessions designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of mitigation
strategies, technological advancements, and global best practices. These sessions bring
together national and international experts to discuss strategies for safeguarding vulnerable
Himalayan regions from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
Technical Session 1: International Perspectives & Experiences on GLOF Risk Mitigation
• Objective: This session will explore international best practices in GLOF risk mitigation,
with insights from experts across diverse mountain ranges. Participants will discuss
lessons learned and technological advancements used to manage GLOF risks in the
Alps, Tien Shan, Andes, and the Himalayas.
• Key Topics:
o Case studies from Switzerland, Costa Rica, Nepal, Bhutan, and the global
experience of GLOF risk mitigation.
o Comparative analyses of GLOF risk reduction strategies in different
geographical contexts.
o Role of geospatial risk assessments in understanding vulnerabilities.
• Outcome: Develop a framework for incorporating global insights into India’s GLOF risk
mitigation strategies.
Technical Session 2: High-Risk Glacial Lake Expedition Outcomes from Summer of 2024
• Objective: This session will focus on identifying mitigation strategies that are effective
for high-risk glacial lakes in India, drawing on the experience of various states and
regions in the Himalayas.
• Key Topics:
o State-level experiences from Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Jammu &
Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.
o Feasibility of structural and non-structural mitigation measures for high-risk
glacial lakes.
• Outcome: Practical recommendations for scalable mitigation approaches tailored to
the Indian Himalayan region.
Technical Session 3: Gaps and Challenges in Mitigating GLOF Risks
• Objective: To identify the challenges and gaps in mitigating GLOF risks in India and
discuss opportunities for improvement in risk mitigation frameworks.
• Key Topics:
o Infrastructure challenges, risk management, and governance in mitigating
GLOF risks.
o Lessons learned from the role of military and public sector enterprises.
• Outcome: A set of actionable recommendations to address existing gaps in GLOF risk
management.
Technical Session 4: Hazard Assessments and Geo-Spatial Monitoring of High-Risk
Glacial Lakes
• Objective: This session will highlight the importance of hazard assessments and the
use of geo-spatial monitoring technologies to identify and monitor high-risk glacial
lakes.
• Key Topics:
o Hydrological hazard assessments of glacial lakes.
o Geospatial tools and technologies for real-time monitoring.
• Outcome: Enhanced capacity for geo-spatial monitoring and risk identification of
glacial lakes.
Technical Session 5: Orienting Tech Start-Up Products Towards GLOF Risk Mitigation
• Objective: Aims to provide a collaborative platform to associated central and state
government representatives, associated field organizations working in policy making
or geospatial or technology domains on GLOF DRR.
• Key Topics:
o Glacial monitoring using remote sensing
o Hydrological modeling and water resource management
• Outcome: Comprehending user needs and service gaps in space based applications
and promoting space enabled applications/products by the Indian private sector.
Technical Session 6: Discussion: Optimal Designs for Automated Weather Stations and
Early Warning Systems
• Objective: To explore the best possible designs for automated weather stations and
early warning systems tailored to high-risk GLOF-prone areas.
• Key Topics:
o Design innovations in weather stations and early warning systems.
o Case studies from India and Switzerland.
• Outcome: Identification of suitable technologies for real-time monitoring and early
warning systems.
Technical Session 7: Discussion: Best Practices - GLOF Mitigation
• Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of mitigation measures in the Indian context,
drawing on the experiences of various international and domestic experts.
• Key Topics:
o Comparative analysis of global and Indian mitigation strategies.
o Discussion on structural and non-structural interventions.
• Outcome: Development of context-specific mitigation strategies for the Indian
Himalayas.
Expected Outcomes
1. Enhanced Knowledge and Understanding for Effective Mitigation Participants will
gain a deeper understanding of GLOF dynamics, vulnerabilities, and mitigation
strategies.
2. Collaborative Actionable Strategies for Risk Reduction Identification of specific,
actionable strategies for GLOF risk reduction, tailored to the unique challenges of the
IHR.
3. Strengthened Institutional and Community Capacities Recommendations for
strengthening institutional frameworks and enhancing community resilience to GLOF
risks.
4. Improved Monitoring and Early Warning Systems Development of a roadmap for
implementing advanced monitoring and early warning systems in the IHR.
5. Policy Recommendations A set of policy recommendations for integrating GLOF risk
management into broader disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies.
Conclusion and Way Forward
This workshop will serve as a pivotal platform for catalysing collective action, empowering
communities, and informing policy decisions to mitigate these risks. Engaging in collective
dialogue and sharing best practices, we can build resilience in vulnerable regions and
safeguard lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems against the threat of GLOFs.
The increasing frequency and severity of GLOFs underscore the urgent need for coordinated
action. By fostering collaboration among experts, policymakers, and communities, we can
enhance the resilience and protect vulnerable populations from the devastating impacts of
GLOFs.
The outcomes of this workshop will inform future policy and planning efforts, ensuring that
GLOF risk management is integrated into global, national and regional disaster risk reduction
frameworks. Moving forward, continued collaboration and innovation will be essential to
safeguard the Indian Himalayan Region as well as other high-altitude ranges across the world
and build a more resilient future for all.
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