Climate Change Turning Deadly!
GLOF Events Threaten Major Power Projects in Chenab Valley
Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Dangduru Projects Vulnerable
By | Home Academy Publication
Srinagar, Aug 31: A comprehensive risk assessment plan for Kishtwar district has raised serious concerns over the vulnerability of ongoing hydroelectric projects to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). The report, prepared by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kishtwar, warns that projects under Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL) — including Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Dangduru — face high risk from potential glacial disasters.
Threat to Power Projects and Infrastructure
According to the report accessed by Home Academy Publication, rising water levels or sudden dam breaches could:
Severely damage power project infrastructure.
Disrupt electricity generation and operations.
Heighten flood risk for downstream areas.
Kishtwar’s vital road network is also at stake. GLOFs may wash away key access routes, cutting off transportation and making relief and evacuation impossible during emergencies.
Environmental and Ecological Impact
Beyond infrastructure, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, home to rare flora and fauna, faces risks of:
Habitat degradation.
Biodiversity loss.Ecosystem disruption.
The DDMA stresses the need for continuous monitoring of glacial lakes, strengthening of disaster preparedness, and integrating climate risk assessments into developmental planning.
Downstream Communities at Risk
The report highlights that the Kishtwar Himalayas have witnessed significant glacial lake expansion due to global warming. With glaciers retreating, new lakes form while existing ones expand, raising the risk of catastrophic floods.
Scientific studies by CWC, NRSC, IIT Bombay, University of Jammu, and University of Kashmir confirm rapid glacial mass loss in the Chenab Basin. These lakes, held by unstable moraine dams, can collapse under stress from rising water levels, earthquakes, or landslides, posing a serious threat to vulnerable downstream populations.
Mundiksar Lake Expansion in 40 Years
The report cites the expansion of Mundiksar Lake as an alarming example. Tehsils including Padder, Machail, Dachhan, Marwah, and Warwan remain highly exposed to sudden floods that could devastate:
Roads and bridges.
Government buildings, schools, and hospitals.Agricultural land and water sources.
Marwah and Warwan, often known as “Shadow Areas” due to remoteness, face additional vulnerability because of limited disaster preparedness and poor emergency response capacities.
Risk Assessment: Natural and Climatic Factors
The GLOF risk in Kishtwar stems from:
Glacial Retreat and Lake Formation – Accelerated melting creates new high-risk lakes like Mundiksar and Hangu.
Moraine Dams – Weak, unconsolidated glacial debris prone to collapse.Seismic Activity – Kishtwar lies in Zone IV, making lakes prone to breaches during earthquakes.
Landslides – Monsoon rains and seismic events can displace large volumes of water, causing overtopping and dam failure.
Chenab River Sensitive to Change
The Chenab River, fed by glaciers and glacial lakes, is highly sensitive to hydrological shifts. Rapid melting or sudden outbursts could alter river courses and flood nearby settlements.
Mitigation and Preparedness Strategy
The DDMA’s GLOF Management Plan emphasizes:
Early Warning Systems (EWS): Collaboration with IMD for weather predictions and timely alerts.
Continuous Monitoring: Satellite imaging (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2) and automated sensors for lake levels.Engineering Interventions: Controlled drainage, artificial channels, and reinforcement of moraine dams.
Risk Mapping: Identifying high-risk zones, protecting critical infrastructure, and creating evacuation routes.
Community Preparedness: Educating residents about warning signs, evacuation drills, and emergency response.
Conclusion: Urgent Need for Action
The report concludes that comprehensive risk assessment and a multi-layered mitigation strategy are critical to safeguard lives, property, and infrastructure in Kishtwar district.
With climate change accelerating glacial retreat, the Chenab Basin’s future depends on scientific monitoring, community awareness, and government preparedness to prevent disasters from turning into tragedies.