Nagaland University Leads Pioneering Study on High-Altitude Glacial Lakes

Nagaland University is spearheading a comprehensive research initiative focused on analyzing high-altitude lakes within the Sikkim and Arunachal Himalayas. This project seeks to develop a detailed inventory and stability assessment of these glacial lakes and their potential for triggering glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), particularly in relation to Tenbawa Lake and the Holocene climate variations.

Researchers are leveraging high-resolution data to identify 'potentially dangerous glacial lakes' and study geomorphology, permafrost, and slope instability in regions like Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Lachung basin in North Sikkim. The risk assessment involves bathymetric surveys and advanced flood modeling to quantify possible impacts from sudden lake outbursts in the area.

The project, funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aims to bridge knowledge gaps and assess ecosystem services. Findings will be shared with policymakers to drive holistic development strategies and mitigate disaster impacts, enhancing preparedness for communities living in these vulnerable regions.

(With inputs from agencies.)