The sixth day of the monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly witnessed solemn proceedings as the House paid tribute to the victims of the devastating floods in Nepal. Immediately following Question Hour, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the neighboring country and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. Responding to the Chief Minister's appeal, the Assembly observed a two-minute silence to honor the deceased. The state administration remains on high alert, taking active disaster management measures as regional climate vulnerabilities continue to rise.
133 Indians Missing in Nepal Floods, Status of Himachal Residents Awaited
Speaking informally to journalists during the lunch break at the Vidhan Sabha complex, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared updates provided by the central government. Official information confirms that at least 133 Indian nationals are reported missing following the massive floods and landslides in Nepal. However, central agencies have not yet specified how many of the missing individuals belong to Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister remarked that catastrophic events resulting in substantial loss of life inflict immense pain on society. The Himachal Pradesh government has proactively set up helpline channels to gather information and ensure immediate support for any affected families from the state.
Glacial Lakes Surge Fivefold Since 1990 Across Lahaul-Spiti and Himalayan Belts
Escalating environmental risks in the Himalayan region have been highlighted by a joint scientific investigation conducted by IIT Ropar and the University of Technology Sydney. The study reveals a dramatic increase in both the volume and surface coverage of glacial lakes in Himachal Pradesh. In 1990, the state recorded 107 glacial lakes, a figure that has spiraled to 669 lakes by 2024—representing a more than fivefold increase over 34 years. Concurrently, the total surface area of these glacial water bodies expanded by 102 percent, enlarging from 5.54 square kilometers to 11.20 square kilometers, thereby heightening the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF).
Ghepan Lake in Sissu Identified as Critical Threat, Early Warning Systems Planned
Out of the 669 identified glacial lakes, researchers have categorized 9 as 'very high risk', 18 as 'high risk', and 26 as 'moderate risk'. Ghepan Lake, located near Sissu in the Lahaul Valley, poses an exceptionally severe threat to downstream settlements. The surface area of Ghepan Lake has expanded by 173 percent over the past 33 years. In the event of intense rainfall or cloudbursts triggering a breach, the resulting outburst could mirror the scale of destruction recently witnessed in Nepal. To mitigate potential devastation, authorities are evaluating the deployment of automated Early Warning Systems around vulnerable lakes to ensure timely evacuation of local populations.
Climate Change Driving Extreme Cloudburst Events, Scientific Study Findings Awaited
Addressing the root causes of recurring natural disasters in the state, Chief Minister Sukhu designated climate change as the primary catalyst behind cloudbursts and erratic weather patterns. He recalled that following the severe monsoon disasters of 2023-24, he personally met the Union Home Minister to request a comprehensive scientific survey of the Himalayan terrain by experts from IITs, environmental institutions, and geological research agencies. While a central multidisciplinary team subsequently conducted field assessments in Himachal Pradesh, the final analytical findings have not yet been formally shared with the state administration. The Chief Minister noted that while slope erosion and landslides are ongoing natural geological processes, the sharp rise in localized cloudbursts directly correlates with global environmental shifts.
State Awaits Rs 1,500 Crore Central Disaster Assistance Amid Policy Debates
During the press interaction, Chief Minister Sukhu addressed financial queries regarding the central assistance package of Rs 1,500 crore announced by the Prime Minister following last year's monsoon destruction. He stated that the state government is still awaiting the disbursement of these funds, as procedural clearances remain pending at the central level in Delhi. Turning to legislative debates regarding proposals to reintroduce state-run lotteries, the Chief Minister clarified that lotteries represent a game of chance rather than commercial gambling, emphasizing that participation remains strictly voluntary. The state government continues to prioritize disaster preparedness, infrastructure repair, and public safety across all vulnerable districts.
