New Delhi, Nov 12 (Bureau) Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr PK Mishra, on Tuesday underscored the urgent need for effective strategies to address the risks associated with glacial lakes, and urged states and Union Territories to lead monitoring and mitigation efforts with continued support from central scientific institutions. Speaking at the 4th Workshop of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR), Dr Mishra highlighted, “The discussions on Sikkim glacial lake outburst flood disaster has brought to focus the enormity of the challenge. Indeed, the South Lhonak glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) was a wake-up call for all of us.” Dr. Mishra stressed that the best way to handle disasters is through prevention, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that disaster risk reduction is not just about responding to disasters, but also about building resilience.
He emphasized, “The best way to deal with disasters is to prevent them,” and reminded everyone that proactive measures are key to safeguarding our communities. Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, he noted, “India’s commitment to tackling GLOF risks extends beyond national borders. Engaging with experts from countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Peru, Switzerland, and Tajikistan is crucial for improving response strategies.” This collaboration is vital for enhancing our understanding of GLOF risks and refining response mechanisms globally. “We must work together across borders and disciplines to create a safer world,” the Principal Secretary said emphasising that India’s commitment to tackling GLOF risks extends beyond national borders. Engaging with experts from countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Peru, Switzerland, and Tajikistan is crucial for improving response strategies. He iterated that such collaboration is vital to enhancing our understanding of response strategies.
“Earlier attempts to mitigate risks from the South Lhonak lake were not successful and plans were primarily restricted to scientific hazard assessments and geo-spatial monitoring of lake size increases, while there was diffused responsibility among states and central agencies, causing confusion regarding roles,” he said. Dr Mishra stressed, “Government initiated a coordinating platform named the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR). This platform has enabled us to host a series of meetings followed by regular feedback; renewed communication between central scientific agencies and states on this critical subject; and clearly delegate primary responsibility to states, while ensuring adequate support from central agencies.” “Coordinated 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 said adding that this iterative process has allowed us to categorize these lakes based on risk levels effectively. “States were encouraged to conduct expeditions to assess all A-category lakes in summer 2024, leading to significant engagement from local authorities,” Dr Mishra said.
The Principal Secretary to PM also mentioned that mitigation plans have already been initiated for five lakes in Sikkim, with the Government of India approving the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme, which includes an allocation of Rs.150 crores for four states. “States and Union Territories must continue to lead monitoring and mitigation efforts concerning glaciers and glacial lakes, with sustained support from central scientific institutions,” Dr Mishra said adding that strengthening State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) will be vital in enhancing our capacity to respond effectively. Highlighting the need to think of innovative ways to have a dedicated financial window for GLOF risk reduction across these affected states and UTs, he mentioned that this initiative would contribute to safeguarding our water security because the health of our glaciers is indeed at the heart of it.