Chandigarh, November 3, 2024: Rapid snowmelt due to rising temperatures in the Himalayan region is causing a significant increase in water levels of lakes and rivers, raising concerns over potential flooding. A recent government report reveals that the area of glacial lakes in the Himalayas has expanded by 10.81% from 2011 to 2024, as snow in even the coldest regions melts at an alarming rate.
The report, released by the Central Water Commission (CWC), shows that the Himalayan region’s water body area grew from 533,401 hectares in 2011 to 591,108 hectares in 2024. In India alone, glacial lake surface area surged by 33.7% during the same period—from 1,962 hectares in 2011 to 2,623 hectares in 2024. Notably, 67 lakes were identified as high-risk, with surface area increases of over 40%.
States most affected by glacial lake expansion include Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, all of which face heightened flood risks. Authorities now prioritize increased monitoring and disaster management to mitigate these mounting threats to the Himalayan region.
