Jammu, Aug 31: A comprehensive risk assessment has warned that Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir faces a severe threat from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), endangering lives, infrastructure, and the fragile ecosystem.
According to the GLOF Management Plan for Kishtwar 2024-25, the tehsils of Padder, Machail, Dachhan, Marwah, and Warwan are the most vulnerable due to their proximity to glacial lakes. The report cautioned that sudden flooding in these areas could devastate local communities, infrastructure, and the environment. Kishtwar High Altitude National Park has also been listed as highly threatened.
The dangers were highlighted by the recent tragedy in Chishoti village, Padder tehsil, where a cloudburst-triggered flash flood on August 14 during the Machail Yatra killed 65 people and injured over 115.
The report underlined that essential infrastructure—roads, schools, hospitals, and government buildings—faces “considerable risk.” It added that Marwah and Warwan, often called ‘Shadow Areas’ due to their remoteness, house low-lying settlements and farming communities with limited disaster preparedness.
Hydroelectric projects under CVPPL Limited, including Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Dangduru, are also susceptible. Rising water levels or dam breaches could damage infrastructure, disrupt power operations, and worsen downstream flooding.
Two lakes—Mundiksar and Hangu—have been categorised as high-risk, while Palta Pani and one unnamed lake are moderate-risk. The report explained that multiple glacial lakes at varying elevations, expanding rapidly due to climate change, heighten the probability of outburst floods triggered by rapid ice melt, landslides, or seismic activity.
Kishtwar, located in the Western Himalayas, has 197 glacial lakes—the highest in Jammu and Kashmir—accounting for more than one-third of the UT’s total. The accelerated retreat of glaciers due to rising temperatures has created and expanded several lakes, multiplying risks.
Apart from infrastructure, ecological concerns are grave. Floodwater contamination of local water sources could affect public health, while Kishtwar High Altitude National Park faces habitat loss and biodiversity threats.
The report urged immediate mitigation measures, including real-time monitoring, early warning systems, strengthening of moraine dams, and detailed risk mapping. It also stressed the need for educating local communities and training them in emergency response.
For long-term strategies, it recommended climate-resilient construction, slope stabilisation through afforestation, dedicated research on glacial dynamics, and allocation of District Development Council funds for GLOF preparedness.
“Our commitment to safeguarding lives and infrastructure against GLOFs reflects a vision of building a resilient future for Kishtwar,” the plan emphasised.
