Itanagar, May 10: With 32 glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh identified as high-risk, the state has initiated specialised training to strengthen disaster response capacity and scientific assessment of potential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) threats.
The three-day hands-on training programme, organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority under the National GLOF Risk Management Programme, began on Saturday.
According to an official statement, the initiative aims to enhance the technical preparedness of officials and experts who will conduct future surveys of vulnerable glacial lakes across the state.
The programme included classroom sessions on the use and applications of bathymetry survey technology, followed by practical field exercises and data collection activities at Ganga Lake.
Officials and experts from the India Meteorological Department, Geological Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Space Application Centre, Water Resources Department, State Disaster Management Authority and district disaster management authorities participated in the training.
Speaking during the programme, an APSDMA joint director said bathymetric surveys are crucial for evaluating risks posed by unstable glacial lakes and for designing mitigation strategies. The official noted that earlier attempts to carry out such studies had faced administrative obstacles, prompting the authority to procure its own bathymetry survey equipment.
The official also highlighted the shortage of trained technical experts in the field and stressed the need for coordinated efforts among departments for future surveys and mitigation work.
Participants additionally discussed the importance of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) studies to examine the internal structure and stability of moraine dams surrounding glacial lakes. APSDMA stated that such scientific assessments are essential for effective disaster risk management and for planning suitable mitigation measures.
The training programme forms part of Arunachal Pradesh’s broader efforts to prepare for possible GLOF incidents amid growing concerns over the expansion of several glacial lakes and the potential risks they pose to downstream communities.
