Published: 31 October 2025IMD/PIBScience & Technology
National GLOF Risk Mitigation Project Strengthens Himalayan Early Warning
The Ministry of Home Affairs told the Lok Sabha on April 1, 2025 that the Central Government has approved the National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risk Mitigation Project (NGRMP) for Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand with a financial outlay of Rs 150 crore. The project is meant to reduce the risks associated with glacial lake outburst floods in highly vulnerable Himalayan regions.
NGRMP aims to prevent loss of life, reduce economic damage and protect critical infrastructure from GLOF and similar events. Its objectives include strengthening early-warning and monitoring capacity with last-mile connectivity, improving scientific and technical capabilities at local levels, and using indigenous knowledge together with scientific mitigation measures.
The project includes GLOF monitoring and early-warning systems based on remote-sensing data, community involvement in monitoring, and alert dissemination. The government also informed Parliament that two automatic weather stations have been installed in Sikkim, with further early-warning deployments planned in collaboration with C-DAC, ISRO and the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad.
Other official measures include Central Water Commission monitoring of 902 glacial lakes and water bodies, risk indexing of glacial lakes, and NDMA-led coordination with Himalayan states and Union Territories to identify high-risk lakes for direct assessment and mitigation planning.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and why is it dangerous?
A GLOF occurs when a glacial lake — formed by meltwater behind ice, moraine, or bedrock dams — suddenly breaches its containment, releasing massive volumes of water that travel down mountain valleys at devastating speed. India has 7,500+ glacial lakes, with 188 classified as potentially dangerous by ISRO's NRSC.
How much advance warning time does IMD's AI-based flood forecasting system provide for GLOFs?
IMD's AI-based flood forecasting models integrated in the EWS can predict GLOF-induced flash floods 6–12 hours in advance, providing critical lead time for downstream population evacuation and emergency response.
What role do ISRO satellites play in IMD's GLOF Early Warning System?
ISRO's Cartosat and Resourcesat satellites provide real-time glacial lake monitoring imagery that is integrated into IMD's EWS. This remote sensing data helps track lake levels, identify high-risk lakes, and alert authorities before outburst events occur.
What is the connection between Himalayan GLOFs and Rajasthan?
The Chambal river system in Rajasthan, while originating in the Vindhyas, can experience downstream flooding during extreme monsoon events connected to Himalayan-basin river systems. Additionally, the EWS model serves as a disaster preparedness template for the Rajasthan State Disaster Management Authority (RSDMA).
Which GLOF event in 2023 accelerated India's EWS expansion efforts?
The South Lhonak Lake GLOF in Sikkim (October 2023) was a watershed event that killed over 70 people and caused massive downstream destruction, accelerating the Government of India's commitment to expand the GLOF Early Warning System across all Himalayan states.
