By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Authorities in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district have intensified preparedness measures following warnings of a possible Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in the Mago Chu basin, amid growing concerns over climate-related changes in the region.
The district disaster management department issued an alert after receiving inputs from the Centre for Earth Science and Himalayan Studies (CESHS), which highlighted the potential risk of a GLOF linked to rapid glacier retreat and unstable terrain around the Khangri Glacier.
The advisory has been circulated to the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to ensure coordinated preparedness and response measures.
Tawang Deputy Commissioner and District Disaster Management Authority Chairman Namgyal Angmo urged residents to remain alert and follow official advisories. Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang also advised people living along the Mago Chu and Tawang Chu river systems, particularly in low-lying areas, to keep emergency supplies ready and stay prepared for any eventuality.
As part of the assessment process, Thingbu Assistant Commissioner Thutan Wangchu, accompanied by residents of Mago village, recently inspected the Khangri Glacier, locally known as Neh-Goh Gangri.
The inspection found visible signs of snow and ice loss at the glacier, which is located at an altitude of more than 17,000 feet on the western edge of the Gorichen range. Local residents informed officials that the mountain range, once heavily snow-covered, has witnessed significant melting over the years due to rising temperatures and changing climatic conditions.
Officials also examined Neh-Goh Tso, a glacial lake situated at an altitude of around 15,000 feet below the glacier and identified as a potential source of a GLOF.
The assessment found that the lake’s water level remains well below the moraine dam and that water is flowing normally into the Mago Chu river through its outlet channel. Observations indicated that the lake’s outflow currently exceeds inflow from glacial melt, limiting water accumulation and reducing the immediate risk of an outburst.
Authorities further noted that the lake’s outlet rests on a stable rocky bed, making erosion under present conditions unlikely. In addition, the broad valleys above Meerathang, Jethang and Mago could help absorb and dissipate the force of any sudden surge before it reaches downstream settlements.
Despite the favourable findings, officials cautioned that geological changes around the lake could quickly alter the risk profile. The assessment report has recommended a comprehensive scientific study of glacier retreat, lake depth, water volume, inflow and outflow patterns, and the stability of the moraine dam to improve future hazard assessments.
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods are among the most significant climate-related hazards in the Himalayan region. Such events occur when natural barriers containing glacial lakes fail, releasing large volumes of water downstream within a short period and causing potentially severe damage.
Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has led to severe waterlogging near the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) complex at Lekhi, disrupting traffic movement and affecting commuters. Residents attributed the recurring flooding to inadequate drainage infrastructure and called for urgent remedial measures.